History of the political divisions of China

Due to China's large population and area, the administrative divisions of China have consisted of several levels since ancient times. The constitution of China provides for three de jure levels of government. Currently, however, there are five practical (de facto) levels of local government: the provincial (province, autonomous region, municipality, and special administrative region), prefecture, county, township, and village.

The history of the administrative divisions of China is covered in the following articles:

• History of the administrative divisions of China before 1912
• History of the administrative divisions of China (1912–49) (Republic of China on the mainland)
• History of the administrative divisions of China (1949–present) (People's Republic of China)