Autonomous entities of China
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| This article is part of the series: Political divisions of China |
|---|
| Province level |
| Provinces |
| Autonomous regions |
| Municipalities |
| Special administrative regions |
| Prefecture level |
| Prefectures |
| Autonomous prefectures |
| Prefecture-level cities |
| (incl. Sub-provincial cities) |
| Leagues |
| County level |
| Counties |
| Autonomous counties |
| County-level cities |
| (incl. Sub-prefecture-level cities) |
| Districts |
| Banners |
| Autonomous banners |
| Township level |
| Townships |
| Ethnic townships |
| Towns |
| Subdistricts |
| Sumu |
| Ethnic sumu |
| District public offices |
The People's Republic of China has created, following Soviet nationality policy, a number of administrative divisions designated as autonomous. Each autonomous entity is specifically associated with one or more ethnic minority, equivalent to the titular nation in Soviet practice. Autonomous administrative divisions can be found at the first (province), second (prefecture), and third (county) levels of local government. They include the following four types:
- Autonomous regions (Chinese: 自治区; pinyin: zìzhìqū), at the province level
- Autonomous prefectures (Chinese: 自治州; pinyin: zìzhìzhōu), at the prefecture level
- Autonomous counties (Chinese: 自治县; pinyin: zìzhìxiàn), at the county level
- Autonomous banners (Chinese: 自治旗; pinyin: zìzhìqí), also at the county level
As of June 2005, there are 5 autonomous regions, 30 autonomous prefectures, 117 autonomous counties and 3 autonomous banners in China. Outside these official numbers, there are also county-level cities and county-level districts that, upon their creation, were specified to enjoy the same rights as regular autonomous entities.
At the township level, there are 277 ethnic townships and 1 ethnic sumu as of December 31, 2004, but these are not considered to be autonomous entities, and laws pertaining to ethnic autonomous entities do not apply to them.
Autonomous entities are provided for according to the constitution of the PRC, and have a number of rights not accorded to other administrative entities. There is some debate over the actual level autonomy, with various groups feeling that is too much or not enough.
Since these autonomous entities were created by the PRC, they are not recognised by the Republic of China on Taiwan which ruled Mainland China before PRC takeover.
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Nomenclature
The majority of autonomous entities are named by combining the geographical name, the name of the specified ethnicity, and the entity name used for that administrative level:
| Full name | Geographical | Ethnic | Administrative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region | Guangxi | Zhuang | Autonomous Region |
| Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture | Yanbian | Korean | Autonomous Prefecture |
| Dachang Hui Autonomous County | Dachang | Hui | Autonomous County |
| Morin Dawa Daur Autonomous Banner | Morin Dawa | Daur | Autonomous Banner |
Some autonomous entities have more than one specified minority, which tend to be listed in the name of the prefecture, creating rather long names. Two autonomous counties simply use "Various Nationalities" in their names as placeholders, rather than listing out all of their designated ethnicities:
| Full name | Geographical | Ethnic | Administrative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Enshi | Tujia and Miao | Autonomous Prefecture |
| Shuangjiang Lahu, Wa, Blang and Dai Autonomous County | Shuangjiang | Lahu, Wa, Blang and Dai | Autonomous County |
| Longlin Various Nationalities Autonomous County | Longlin | Various Nationalities (Miao, Yi and Gelao) | Autonomous County |
| Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County | Longsheng | Various Nationalities (Dong, Yao, Miao) | Autonomous County |
A few autonomous entities break the regular nomenclature pattern, because the name of the ethnicity is already contained within the geographical name, or because there is no geographical name:
| Full name | Geographical | Ethnic | Administrative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tibet Autonomous Region | Tibet | (Tibetan) | Autonomous Region |
| Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region | Inner Mongolia | (Mongol) | Autonomous Region |
| Dongxiang Autonomous County | — | Dongxiang | Autonomous County |
| Evenki Autonomous Banner | — | Evenks | Autonomous Banner |
| Oroqin Autonomous Banner | — | Oroqin | Autonomous Banner |
Legal basis
Autonomous regions, prefectures, counties, and banners are covered under Section 6 of Chapter 3 (Articles 111-122) of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, and with more detail under the Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy of the People's Republic of China. The constitution states that the head of government of each autonomous entity must be of the ethnic group as specified by the autonomous entity (Tibetan, Uyghur, etc). The constitution also guarantees a range of rights including: independence of finance, independence of economic planning, independence of arts, science and culture, organization of local police, and use of local language. In addition, the head of government of each autonomous region is known as a "chairman", unlike provinces, where they are known as "governors".
Demographics
Of the five autonomous regions, only Tibet has an absolute majority (>50%) of the designated majority, namely, the Tibetans. Xinjiang has a relative majority (<50%) of the designated majority, the Uyghurs, though this is disputed by Uyghur independence advocates, who claim that the Han Chinese population in Xinjiang has been severely understated. The remaining 3 autonomous regions have absolute majorities of Han Chinese, the majority ethnicity of China.
History
Autonomous regions, prefectures, counties, and banners were established after communist takeover, following Soviet practice. At first, the nomenclature of these autonomous entities were somewhat confused, with autonomous regions appearing at the province, prefecture, county, and township levels. Eventually the nomenclature was standardized to the conventions used today.
The first autonomous region to be established was Inner Mongolia, created within communist-held territory in 1947, two years before the establishment of the People's Republic. Xinjiang was converted from a province to an autonomous region in 1955. Guangxi and Ningxia followed in 1957, and Tibet Autonomous Region was formally established in 1965.
Opinions
Autonomous administrative entities, as well as the various rights granted to them, are affirmed by the government as a positive example of local self-rule in ethnic areas, and an acknowledgement of minority self-determination unprecedented in Chinese history. It is argued that these autonomous entities have facilitated the preservation and development of non-Han Chinese cultures while maintaining the territorial integrity of China.
However, they have also drawn criticism from various groups. Some have questioned the necessity of setting up autonomous entities in areas where the designated ethnicity is actually a minority (true for 3 out of the 5 autonomous regions: Inner Mongolia, Guangxi, and Ningxia). They also point out that autonomous regions pursue affirmative action policies which are viewed as discriminatory, such as less preferential treatment in school admissions and government employment opportunities for Han Chinese; this is viewed as unfair, especially in entities where Han Chinese are actually the majority. Finally, some contend that the existence of these autonomous entities, and the extra privileges they enjoy, are a danger to national unity.
Conversely, some have said that autonomous entities offer little or no actual autonomy, as officials (minority or not) are appointed from above rather than elected democratically by the people. Independence advocates for Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia would especially view the autonomous regions as facades of so-called autonomy that belie actual policies of repression and assimilation. In addition, real power within the autonomous entity lies with the local Communist Party committee secretary (who is usually Han Chinese) rather than the head of government who is required to be of the designated minority. Also, the ranks of government may become filled with Han Chinese, since only the head of government needs to be of the designated minority.
List of autonomous entities
Autonomous regions
Image:China administrative.png
| Name | Chinese (S) | pinyin | Designated minority | Local name | Abbreviation | Capital | List of county-level divisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region | 广西壮族自治区 | Guǎngxī Zhuàngzú Zìzhìqū | Zhuang | Zhuang - Gvangjsih Bouxcuengh Swcigih | 桂 Guì | Nanning | List of county-level divisions |
| Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region | 内蒙古自治区 | Nèiměnggǔ Zìzhìqū | Mongol | Mongolian - ᠥᠪᠦᠷ ᠮᠣᠨᠺᠤᠯᠤᠨ ᠥᠪᠡᠷᠲᠡᠺᠡᠨ ᠵᠠᠰᠠᠬᠤ ᠣᠷᠤᠨ / Öbür Mongghul-un Öbertegen Jasaqu Orun | 内蒙古 Nèiměnggǔ | Hohhot | List of county-level divisions |
| Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region | 宁夏回族自治区 | Níngxià Huízú Zìzhìqū | Hui | (The Hui speak Chinese) | 宁 níng | Yinchuan | List of county-level divisions |
| Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region | 新疆维吾尔自治区 | Xīnjiāng Wéiwú'ěr Zìzhìqū | Uighur | Uighur - شىنجاڭ ئۇيغۇر ئاپتونوم رايونى / Shinjang Uyghur Aptonom Rayoni | 新 xīn | Urumqi | List of county-level divisions |
| Tibet Autonomous Region | 西藏自治区 | Xīzàng Zìzhìqū | Tibetan | Tibetan - བོད་རང་སྐྱོང་ལྗོངས / Bod.raṅ.skyoṅ.ljoṅs | 藏 zàng | Lhasa | List of county-level divisions |
Autonomous prefectures
| Province (or equivalent) | Name | Chinese (S) | pinyin | Designated minority | Local name | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jilin | Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture | 延边朝鲜族自治州 | Yánbiān Cháoxiǎnzú Zìzhìzhōu | Korean | Korean - 연변 조선족 자치주 / Yeonbyeon Joseonjok Jachiju | Yanji |
| Hubei | Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | 恩施土家族苗族自治州 | Ēnshī Tǔjiāzú Miáozú Zìzhìzhōu | Tujia and Miao | ? | Enshi |
| Hunan | Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | 湘西土家族苗族自治州 | Xiāngxī Tǔjiāzú Miáozú Zìzhìzhōu | Tujia and Miao | ? | Jishou |
| Sichuan | Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture | 阿坝藏族羌族自治州 | Ābà Zàngzú Qiāngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Tibetan and Qiang | Tibetan - Rnga-ba Bod-rigs Chavang-rigs rang skyong khul | Barkam County |
| Sichuan | Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 甘孜藏族自治州 | Gānzī Zàngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Tibetan | Tibetan - Dkar-mdzes Bod-rigs rang-skyong khul | Kangding County |
| Sichuan | Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture | 凉山彝族自治州 | Liángshān Yízú Zìzhìzhōu | Yi | ? | Xichang |
| Guizhou | Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture | 黔东南苗族侗族自治州 | Qiándōngnán Miáozú Dòngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Miao and Dong | ? | Kaili |
| Guizhou | Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | 黔南布依族苗族自治州 | Qiánnán Bùyīzú Miáozú Zìzhìzhōu | Buyei and Miao | ? | Dujun |
| Guizhou | Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | 黔南布依族苗族自治州 | Qiánxīnán Bùyīzú Miáozú Zìzhìzhōu | Buyei and Miao | ? | Xingyi |
| Yunnan | Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture | 德宏傣族景颇族自治州 | Déhóng Dǎizú Jǐngpōzú Zìzhìzhōu | Dai and Jingpo | ? | Luxi |
| Yunnan | Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture | 怒江傈僳族自治州 | Nùjiāng Lìsùzú Zìzhìzhōu | Lisu | ? | Liuku Town, Lushui County |
| Yunnan | Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 迪庆藏族自治州 | Díqìng Zàngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Tibetan | Tibetan - Bde-chen Bod-rigs rang-skyong khul | Shangri-La County |
| Yunnan | Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture | 大理白族自治州 | Dàlǐ Báizú Zìzhìzhōu | Bai | Bai: Darl•lit Baif•cuf zirl•zirl•zox | Dali |
| Yunnan | Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture | 楚雄彝族自治州 | Chǔxióng Yízú Zìzhìzhōu | Yi | ? | Chuxiong |
| Yunnan | Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture | 红河哈尼族彝族自治州 | Hónghé Hānízú Yízú Zìzhìzhōu | Hani and Yi | ? | Mengzi County |
| Yunnan | Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | 文山壮族苗族自治州 | Wenshān Zhuàngzú Miáozú Zìzhìzhōu | Zhuang and Miao | ? | Wenshan County |
| Yunnan | Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture | 西双版纳傣族自治州 | Xīshuāngbǎnnà Dǎizú Zìzhìzhōu | Dai | Sipsongpanna | Jinghong |
| Gansu | Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | 临夏回族自治州 | Línxià Huízú Zìzhìzhōu | Hui | (The Hui speak Chinese) | Linxia |
| Gansu | Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 甘南藏族自治州 | Gānnán Zàngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Tibetan | ? | Hezuo |
| Qinghai | Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 海北藏族自治州 | Hǎiběi Zàngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Tibetan | Tibetan - Mtsho-byang Bod-rigs rang-skyong-khul | Haiyan County |
| Qinghai | Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 海南藏族自治州 | Hǎinán Zàngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Tibetan | Tibetan - Mtsho-lho Bod-rigs rang-skyong-khul | Gonghe County |
| Qinghai | Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 黄南藏族自治州 | Huángnán Zàngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Tibetan | Tibetan - Rma-lho Bod-rigs rang skyong khul | Tongren County |
| Qinghai | Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 果洛藏族自治州 | Guǒluò Zàngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Tibetan | Tibetan - Mgo-log Bod-rigs rang-skyong-khul | Maqên County |
| Qinghai | Gyêgu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 玉树藏族自治州 | Yùshù Zàngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Tibetan | Tibetan - Yul-shul Bod-rigs rang-skyong-khul | Gyêgu County |
| Qinghai | Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 海西蒙古族藏族自治州 | Hǎixī Měnggǔzú Zàngzú Zìzhìzhōu | Mongol and Tibetan | Tibetan - Mtsho-nub Sog-rigs dang Bod-rigs rang-skyong-khul | Delingha |
| Xinjiang | Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture ? | 克孜勒苏柯尔克孜自治州 | Kèzīlèsū Kē'ěrkèzī Zìzhìzhōu | Kirghiz | Kirghiz - قىزىلسۇ قىرعىز اۋتونوم وبلاستى (Cyrillic: Кыргыз Кызылсу aвтономиялы oбласты) | Artux |
| Xinjiang | Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture | 博尔塔拉蒙古自治州 | Bó'ěrtǎlā Měnggǔ Zìzhìzhōu | Mongol | (Mongolian in Cyrillic script: Борталын Монгол өөртөө засах тойрог) | Bortala |
| Xinjiang | Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture | 昌吉回族自治州 | Chāngjí Huízú Zìzhìzhōu | Hui | (The Hui speak Chinese) | Changji |
| Xinjiang | Bayin'gholin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture ? | 巴音郭楞蒙古自治州 | Bāyīnguōlèng Měnggǔ Zìzhìzhōu | Mongol | (Mongolian in Cyrillic script: Баянголын Монгол өөртөө засах тойрог) | Korla |
| Xinjiang | Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture | 伊犁哈萨克自治州 | Yīlí Hāsàkè Zìzhìzhōu | Kazakh | Kazakh: ىله قازاق اۆتونومىيالى وبلىسى (Cyrillic: Іле Қазақ автономиялы облысы); Uyghur: Ili Ķazaķ aptonom oblasti | Yining |
Autonomous counties and autonomous banners
There are 117 autonomous counties and 3 autonomous banners. The latter are found in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the former are found everywhere else. The two are essentially identical except in name.
