Autonomous regions of China facts for kids

Autonomous regions of China are special areas in China where many different ethnic groups live. Think of them like provinces, but with a few important differences!

The local governments in these regions are similar to those in regular provinces. However, in autonomous regions, the languages of the minority groups are often used officially alongside the Chinese language. Also, some laws are created specifically to help meet the needs of these minority groups.

China has five autonomous regions:

• The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (short name: Guangxi)
• The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (short name: Inner Mongolia)
• The Tibet Autonomous Region (short name: Tibet)
• The Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (also known as East Turkestan, short name: Xinjiang)
• The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (short name: Ningxia)

Each of these regions is named after its largest minority group. For example, the main group in Guangxi is the Zhuang, in Inner Mongolia it's the Mongol people, in Tibet it's the Tibetan people, in Xinjiang it's the Uighur people, and in Ningxia it's the Hui people.

What Are China's Autonomous Regions?

Autonomous regions are a special type of administrative division in China. They are designed to give greater self-governance to areas where large numbers of ethnic minority groups live. This means these regions have some special rights and powers compared to regular provinces.

How Are Autonomous Regions Different?

Autonomous regions have their own local governments, much like provinces do. But they have more freedom in certain areas. For example, they can:

• Use and promote their own minority languages in schools and government offices.
• Create some laws that fit the unique traditions and needs of their local minority groups.
• Manage some of their own finances and resources.

This system aims to protect the cultures and rights of the many different ethnic groups in China.

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is located in southern China. Its capital city is Nanning. The largest minority group here is the Zhuang. They are one of China's largest ethnic minority groups. Guangxi is known for its beautiful karst landscapes, especially around Guilin.

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is in northern China, bordering Mongolia and Russia. Its capital is Hohhot. The main minority group is the Mongol people. This region is famous for its vast grasslands and nomadic culture. Many Mongol traditions, like horse riding and wrestling, are still important here.

Tibet Autonomous Region

The Tibet Autonomous Region is located in southwestern China, on a high plateau. Its capital city is Lhasa. The main minority group is the Tibetan people. Tibet is often called the "Roof of the World" because of its very high mountains, including the Himalayas. It has a unique culture and religion, mainly Tibetan Buddhism.

Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region

The Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region is in northwestern China. Its capital is Urumqi. The main minority group is the Uighur people. Xinjiang is a very large region with deserts, mountains, and oases. It was historically an important part of the ancient Silk Road, a trade route connecting East and West.

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is a smaller region in north-central China. Its capital city is Yinchuan. The main minority group is the Hui people. The Hui are a Chinese-speaking Muslim ethnic group. Ningxia is known for its Yellow River irrigation systems and its unique blend of Chinese and Islamic cultures.

See also

In Spanish: Región autónoma de China para niños