What Administrative Level Does Zhangjiajie Belong To?
Zhangjiajie (simplified Chinese: 张家界; traditional Chinese: 張家界; pinyin: Zhāngjiājiè; Tujia: Zanxjiaxgaif /tsán tɕá kǎi/), is a prefecture-level city located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, China. It encompasses a diverse range of administrative divisions, including:
Administrative Divisions of Zhangjiajie
| Level | Name | Chinese (Simplified) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| District (区 Qū) | Yongding District | 永定区 | Urban District |
| Wulingyuan District | 武陵源区 | Scenic Tourist District | |
| County (县 Xiàn) | Cili County | 慈利县 | Rural County |
| Sangzhi County | 桑植县 | Rural County |
Understanding Administrative Levels in China
To clarify, let's break down the Chinese administrative hierarchy. China employs a multi-tiered administrative structure:
- National Level: The highest tier, encompassing the entire country.
- Provincial Level: China has 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 special administrative regions.
- Prefecture-level: A level below provinces, encompassing cities and prefectures.
- County-level: Below prefecture-level, consisting of counties, districts, county-level cities, etc.
- Township-level: The lowest tier, including towns, townships, and subdistricts.
Zhangjiajie's Position
As a "prefecture-level city," Zhangjiajie stands at the third level of China's administrative structure. This signifies that it holds a rank below Hunan Province but above its constituent counties (Cili and Sangzhi) and districts (Yongding and Wulingyuan).
What Does This Mean?
Being a prefecture-level city grants Zhangjiajie a significant degree of autonomy in governing its local affairs. It exercises jurisdiction over a substantial geographic area and population. The municipal government in Zhangjiajie oversees matters like:
- Economic Development
- Urban Planning
- Infrastructure Projects
- Education and Healthcare
- Public Security
FAQs
1. Is Zhangjiajie a city or a province?
Zhangjiajie is a prefecture-level city, meaning it is an administrative division within Hunan Province. It is not a province itself.
2. What is Zhangjiajie famous for?
Zhangjiajie is world-renowned for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the towering sandstone pillars within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Does Zhangjiajie have an airport?
Yes, Zhangjiajie is served by Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (IATA: DYG), providing convenient access for tourists.