Provinces of Mainland China

Figure 1: The Thirty-Two Administrative Divisions of Mainland China

The People's Republic of China or Zhōngguó is a sovereign stated located in Far East Asia with a population of over 1.35 billion. The PRC is a socialist republic governed by a one-party system. It exercises jurisdiction over 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four city-municipalities, and two self governing special administrative regions. In total, the PRC claims governorship over 34 divisions. 

Province or Shěng composes majority of Mainland China, governed by a committee of the Communist Party, headed by a secretary, then comes a governor to act in terms like a state level of a national system of government. However, the PRC claims governorship over the island of Taiwan and its surrounding islets. 

Direct-controlled municipality or  Zhíxiáshì is a political entangled city under the direct control of the Chinese government, similarly to that of Washington D.C. Yet, not like Washington D.C., these municipality share equal status with provinces or states, but hold more political relevance or sway. 

Autonomous region or  Zìzhìqū is a subdivision of China, where unlike provinces, has more legislative rights due to overall negligence by the Party. An autonomous region is a minority entity has a higher population of a particular minority ethic group which has been the justification for negligence by the Party.

Special administrative region or  Tèbié xíngzhèngqū is highly autonomous and self-governing , but not fully independent sub-national subject of the PRC. Hong Kong and Macus are the only two SAR and don't possess sovereignty because as foreign and military entities, they are held to the responsibility of the central government of the PRC.