List of Provinces of China and their Capitals

Discover the List of provinces of China along with their respective Capitals of China’s provinces, providing essential knowledge about China’s regional geography.

The People’s Republic of China is divided into 34 administrative divisions, including 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 special administrative regions. The autonomous regions are Tibet, Guangxi Nanning, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Ningxia. The municipalities are Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin and the special administrative regions are Hong Kong and Macau. Each province plays a vital role in the nation’s cultural, economic, and historical landscape. Together, they form an integral part of the country’s administrative and regional structure.

In this article, we are going to learn the List of Provinces of China and their Capitals in detail.

List of Provinces of China and their Capitals

China’s 23 provinces, each with its distinct character and significance. Here is the complete list of provinces of China and their capitals.

Province/Autonomous Region/Direct-Controlled Municipality	Capital
Anhui	Hefei
Fujian	Fuzhou
Gansu	Lanzhou
Guangdong	Guangzhou
Guizhou	Guiyang
Hainan	Haikou
Hebei	Shijiazhuang
Heilongjiang	Harbin
Henan	Zhengzhou
Hubei	Wuhan
Hunan	Changsha
Jiangsu	Nanjing
Jiangxi	Nanchang
Jilin	Changchun
Liaoning	Shenyang
Qinghai	Xining
Shaanxi	Xi’an
Shandong	Jinan
Shanxi	Taiyuan
Sichuan	Chengdu
Yunnan	Kunming
Zhejiang	Hangzhou

China’s 23 Provinces

• The 23 provinces range from coastal regions like Fujian to inland areas such as Sichuan.
• Each province has its own administrative capital, local government, and distinct cultural identity.

List of Autonomous Regions of China

Given below is the list of autonomous region and their capitals:

Autonomous Region	Capital
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region	Nanning
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region	Hohhot
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region	Yinchuan
Tibet Autonomous Region	Lhasa
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region	Urumqi

List of Direct Controlled Municipalities

Given below is the list of Direct-Controlled Municipalities.

Direct-Controlled Municipality	Capital
Beijing	Beijing
Chongqing	Chongqing
Shanghai	Shanghai
Tianjin	Tianjin

People’s Republic of China: (Provinces in the People’s Republic of China 23 Provinces)

A brief overview of the different provinces is listed below:

Anhui

• Capital: Hefei
• Location: Anhui is a province in eastern China, located at the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers. 

It’s country’s one of the smallest provinces, with a population of 61.1 million and a total area of 140,140 square kilometers. Anhui is known for its Huangshan Mountains featuring low-hanging clouds, distinctive granite rocks, and twisted pines. It is also known for its “Four Treasures of Study”, which include ink slabs and paper. Anhui is a major tea-producing region, and its Keemun black tea and Huangshan Maofeng green tea are well-known.

Fujian Fuzhou

• Capital: Fuzhou
• Location: Fujian is a province on the southeast coast of China, located opposite the island of Taiwan.

Fujian’s population is 41.87 million, and its area is 124,000 square kilometers. Fujian is famous for tea and for fresh seafood and is a major marine economy in China. Fujian’s predominant religions are Taoism and Buddhism, and Christianity is also present. It is the ancestral homeland for most Taiwanese and shares close cultural ties with the island. 

Gansu Lanzhou

• Capital: Lanzhou
• Location: It’s located in north-central and northwestern China, between Tibet and Inner Mongolia.

It’s the seventh largest province in China, covering 454,000 square kilometers and is home to a population of 26 million, which is the 22nd largest in China. The population is mostly Han Chinese, with Hui, Dongxiang, and Tibetan minorities. The most common language is Mandarin. Gansu is one of the poorest administrative divisions in China, ranking last in GDP per capita as of 2019. Gansu was formerly part of the Silk Road to Turkistan, India, and Persia. The main religion in Gansu is Islam

Guangdong Guangzhou

• Capital: Guangzhou
• Location: Guangdong is a coastal province in South China, located on the north shore of the South China Sea. It is the southernmost mainland province and borders Hong Kong and Macau

It’s the most populous province in China, with a population of 126.84 million as of 2021 and is also the 15th largest province by area. Guangdong is China’s economic powerhouse, with the largest and fastest-growing economy in the country. It’s also home to the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone and the Shantou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai Special Economic Zones. It is a global manufacturing and technology center, often referred to as the “Factory of the World.”

Guizhou

• Capital: Guiyang
• Location: Guizhou is a province in the southwestern part of China. It’s located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, which is over 1,000 meters above sea level. 

Guizhou is 170,000 square kilometers in size and has a population of 38.5 million, making it the 18th most populated province in China. Famous for producing Moutai, a high-quality traditional Chinese liquor often considered a national treasure. Guizhou features traditional villages with well-preserved ethnic architecture, such as Xijiang Miao Village and Zhaoxing Dong and is home to various ethnic minorities, including the Miao, Dong, and Buyi.

Hainan

• Capital: Haikou
• Location: An island province located in the South China Sea, off the southern coast of mainland China.

Hainan is China’s southernmost and smallest province, with a total area of 35,354 square kilometers. It’s made up of several islands, including Hainan Island, Xisha Islands, Nansha Islands, and Zhongsha Islands. Hainan is a resource-rich tropical region that became a separate province in 1988. It’s also China’s largest free-trade port and home to key military bases.

Hebei

• Capital: Shijiazhuang
• Location: Northern China, surrounding Beijing and Tianjin, with Inner Mongolia and Shanxi to the northwest, Henan to the south, and the Bohai Sea to the east.

Hebei is the only province in China with plateaus, mountains, hills, shorelines, plains, and lakes. A significant portion of the Great Wall runs through Hebei, including famous sections like Jinshanling and Simatai. Hebei is an important economic hub, contributing significantly to industries such as steel production and manufacturing.

Heilongjiang

• Capital: Harbin
• Location: Northeastern China, sharing borders with Russia to the north and east, and Inner Mongolia, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces to the west and south.

Heilongjiang is 454,800 square kilometers, which is 4.7% of China’s total land area and has a population of 31.25 million. It is a major grazing area for China, and is one of the country’s leading milk producers. It’s also one of China’s largest producers of raw timber. Heilongjiang plays a vital role in Sino-Russian economic and cultural exchanges due to its proximity to Russia.

Henan

• Capital: Zhengzhou
• Location: Central China, bordered by Shanxi and Hebei to the north, Shandong to the northeast, Anhui to the east, Hubei to the south, and Shaanxi to the west.

It’s the third most populated province in China, with a population of over 99 million and covers 167,000 km sq of area. Henan is often referred to as the “cradle of Chinese civilization” due to its rich history. It was the location of ancient Chinese capitals, including Luoyang and Kaifeng. The Yellow River, China’s second-longest river, flows through Henan, and the province has a mix of plains and mountains.

Hubei

• Capital: Wuhan
• Location: Central China, surrounded by Hunan to the south, Jiangxi to the southeast, Anhui to the east, Henan to the north, Shaanxi to the northwest, and Chongqing to the west.

Hubei has a total area of 187,500 square kilometers and population of 57 milllion. Part of the Yangtze River flows through Hubei, and the province is home to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project. It gained global attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as the initial epicenter.

Hunan

• Capital: Changsha
• Location: Located in south-central China, Hunan is bordered by Hubei to the north, Jiangxi to the east, Guangdong to the southeast, Guangxi to the southwest, Guizhou to the west, and Chongqing to the northwest.

Hunan is a province in China that covers 211,800 square kilometers and has a population of 65.62 million. Hunan has many religions, including Buddhism, Taoism, Islamism, Catholicism, and Christianity. Hunan is renowned for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, Hunan dishes are characterized by the use of chili peppers and local ingredients. Dongting Lake is China’s second-largest freshwater lake, situated in the northern part of Hunan, known for its scenic beauty.

Jiangsu

• Capital: Nanjing
• Location: Situated in Eastern China, Jiangsu is bordered by Shandong to the north, Anhui to the west, Zhejiang to the south, and Shanghai to the southeast.

Jiangsu is a province in eastern China that covers 107,200 square kilometers, or 1.12% of China’s total land area. It has a population of 85.05 million, making it the most densely populated province in China, excluding the municipalities of Shanghai, Beijing, and Tianjin. The province is divided into two parts by the Yangtze River: North Jiangsu and South Jiangsu. Jiangsu is known for its handicrafts, including embroidered brocade, clay teapots, lacquer ware, and clay figurines. It’s also known for its natural scenery and canals.

Jiangxi

• Capital: Nanchang
• Location: Situated in southeastern China, Jiangxi is bordered by Hubei to the north, Anhui to the northeast, Zhejiang to the east, Fujian to the southeast, Guangdong to the south, and Hunan to the west.

It has an area of 164,800 square kilometers (63,600 square miles) and a population of 4,517,878 as of 2020. It is home to China’s largest freshwater lake, Poyang Lake, which plays a crucial role in migratory bird habitats. Jiangxi played an important role in China’s history because of its location along the main route for armies, trade, and commerce, as well as large population migrations. Jingdezhen is renowned as the “Porcelain Capital” of China, with a history of porcelain production spanning over a thousand years.

Jilin

• Capital: Changchun
• Location: Located in northeastern China, Jilin is bordered by Liaoning to the south, North Korea to the southeast, Heilongjiang to the north, Inner Mongolia to the west, and Russia to the east.

It has an area of 190,000 square kilometers (73,000 square miles) and a population of 24 million. Jilin is an agricultural center and is rich in mineral resources, including coal, iron, copper, and gold. It also has extensive deposits of Kieselguhr, wollastonite, floatstone, and molybdenum. Jilin has a significant ethnic Korean population, contributing to the cultural diversity of the province. The provincial capital, Changchun, is an industrial and cultural hub, known for its automotive industry and historical sites like the Puppet Emperor’s Palace.

Liaoning

• Capital: Shenyang
• Location: Located in northeastern China, Liaoning is bordered by Jilin to the northeast, Inner Mongolia to the west, Hebei to the southwest, and the Yellow Sea to the south.

Liaoning is a province in the southern part of Northeast China. It has a land area of 151,000 square kilometers and a population of 42,591,407 as of 2020. The capital of Liaoning is Shenyang. The provincial capital, Shenyang, is an industrial and cultural center with historical sites like the Mukden Palace and the Shenyang Imperial Palace. Liaoning’s mix of historical sites, coastal landscapes, and industrial development make it a province with diverse attractions and cultural significance.

Qinghai

• Capital: Xining
• Location: Located in the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau in western China, Qinghai is bordered by Tibet to the southwest, Sichuan to the southeast, Gansu to the northeast, and Xinjiang to the northwest.

Qinghai is a province in northwestern China that covers 721,000 square kilometers and has a population of 5,923,957. The province is known for its vast expanses, stunning scenery, and cultural diversity. Qinghai is home to over 37 recognized ethnic groups, with national minorities making up 49.5% of the population. Qinghai is also home to Qinghai Lake, the largest inland lake in China. The lake is located on the world’s largest, highest, and youngest plateau.

Shaanxi

• Capital: Xi’an
• Location: Located in northwestern China, Shaanxi is bordered by Shanxi to the east, Henan to the east, Hubei to the southeast, Chongqing to the south, Sichuan to the southwest, Gansu to the west, and Inner Mongolia to the north.

Shaanxi is a province in China that covers 79,151 square miles (205,000 square kilometers) and has a population of about 37 million people. It is the 16th largest province in China. Xi’an is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, an archaeological marvel discovered in the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Shaanxi played a vital role in the ancient Silk Road trade route, and Xi’an served as a significant cultural and economic center.

Shandong

• Capital: Jinan
• Location: Located on the eastern coast of China, Shandong is bordered by the Yellow Sea to the east, Hebei to the northwest, Henan to the southwest, and Jiangsu to the south.

Shandong is a coastal province in eastern China with an area of 59,200 square miles and a population of 101,527,453 as of 2020. It is the second most populated province in China, after Guangdong. Shandong is home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Mount Tai, the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, the Grand Canal, and the Great Wall of Qi. It is also the birthplace of Confucius and Mo Zi, and has played an important role in China’s historical and cultural development.

Shanxi

• Capital: Taiyuan
• Location: Located in northern China, Shanxi is bordered by Inner Mongolia to the north, Hebei to the east, Henan to the south, and Shaanxi to the west.

Shanxi is a province in northern China with a population of 34,915,616 and covers 157,100 square kilometers. Shanxi is known for its coal and iron reserves, which have supported heavy industrial development. It’s also famous for its merchants and bankers, who controlled much of China’s banking and salt trade and established China’s first banks. Yungang Grottoes is a UNESCO World Heritage site near Datong, known for its ancient Buddhist cave art and statues.

Sichuan Capital

• Capital: Chengdu
• Location: Located in southwestern China, Sichuan is bordered by Qinghai and Gansu to the north, Shaanxi to the northeast, Chongqing to the east, Guizhou to the southeast, Yunnan to the south, and Tibet to the west.

Sichuan is a province in southwestern China, located in the upper Yangtze River valley. It has an area of 188,000 square miles (487,000 square kilometers) and a population of 83,674,866 as of 2020. Sichuan is sometimes considered a country within a country, and the Chinese call it “Heaven on Earth”. It’s a basin surrounded by mountains and the Yangtze River, making it an important military center throughout Chinese history. Sichuan is also the birthplace of Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China’s reform and opening up to the outside world.

Yunnan

• Capital: Kunming
• Location: Located in the far southwestern corner of China, Yunnan shares borders with Myanmar to the west, Laos to the south, and Vietnam to the southeast. It is also bordered by Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Tibet within China.

Yunnan is a landlocked province in southwest China. It has a population of 47,209,277 and an area of 168,400 square miles. The capital of Yunnan is Kunming. Yunnan is bordered by Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces, and Guangxi and Tibet autonomous regions. Yunnan’s population is one of China’s most ethnically mixed, with more than 20 nationalities. Languages spoken in Yunnan include Tibeto-Burman languages, Tai languages, and Hmong–Mien languages.

Zhejiang

• Capital: Hangzhou
• Location: Located in eastern China, Zhejiang is bordered by Shanghai to the northeast, Jiangsu to the north, Anhui to the northwest, Jiangxi to the west, and Fujian to the south.

Zhejiang is a province in eastern China, with a population of 64,567,588 and an area of 39,300 square miles. It’s one of the smallest but most densely populated provinces in China, with a population density of around 600 people per square kilometer. Zhejiang is a leading province in China for farm productivity, tea production, and fishing. It’s also known as “the backbone of China” because it’s a major driving force in the Chinese economy. 

Guangdong with Guangzhou

• Guangdong, known for its economic dynamism, is home to Guangzhou, a bustling metropolis and key global business hub.
• Guangzhou acts as the political, economic, and cultural center of Guangdong, reflecting the province’s importance in China’s economy.

Jiangsu with Nanjing

• Jiangsu, a province known for its rich history and modern economy, has Nanjing as its capital.
• Nanjing, a city with a profound historical significance, serves as a center for culture, education, and politics in Jiangsu.

Summary of Capitals of China’s Provinces

China’s 23 Provinces, each with its own capital city. Notable provinces include Guangdong with Guangzhou, Jiangsu with Nanjing, and Sichuan with Chengdu. Additionally, there are 5 autonomous regions and 4 direct-controlled municipalities. The capital of the country is Beijing. This administrative division reflects the vast diversity of China, encompassing a range of cultures, landscapes, and economic activities across its provinces and regions.

China Provinces and Capitals – FAQs

How many provinces are there in China?

China has 23 provinces, each with its own capital city.

What are the capitals of China’s most populous provinces?

Guangdong’s capital is Guangzhou, Jiangsu’s capital is Nanjing, and Sichuan’s capital is Chengdu.

Are there any autonomous regions in China, and how do they differ from provinces?

Yes, China has 5 autonomous regions: Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Tibet, Ningxia, and Xinjiang. They have more legislative rights than provinces, primarily due to their significant ethnic minority populations.

What are the municipalities directly under the central government of China?

There are 4 municipalities: Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Chongqing. These cities have the same administrative level as provinces.

Can you name a few provincial capitals in China?

A few examples include Fuzhou (Fujian), Lanzhou (Gansu), and Nanning (Guangxi).

What is the capital of China’s largest province by area?

Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, which is China’s largest province by area.

How is China’s administrative division structured?

China’s administrative divisions include provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, and special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau).

What role do provincial capitals play in China’s administration?

Provincial capitals serve as the political, economic, and cultural centers of their respective provinces, hosting provincial government bodies and other important institutions.

Who divided China into 36 provinces?

The Qin dynasty, which ruled from 221–206 BC, divided China into 36 provinces. The First Emperor of Qin, Qin Shi Huang, divided the empire to control the people and prevent uprisings.

What are the 7 regions of China?

The seven regions of China are East China, Middle China, North China, Northeast China, Northwest China, South China, Southwest China.

Is Beijing a city or a Province?

Beijing is both a city and a province-level entity. It is a “Direct-controlled municipality” which means it is not part of any province, but is its own province-level unit.

How did China get his name?

The name “China” comes from the Sanskrit word “Cina”. “Cina” is derived from the name of the Qin Dynasty, the first ruling family of Imperial China. The Qin Dynasty existed as a state within the Zhou dynasty for many centuries before unifying China.

What is the capital province of China?

Beijing is the capital of China. It’s also the capital of the People’s Republic of China, and is one of the most populated cities in the world.