In the People's Republic of China, there are different classifications that a city can have. For example, they can be like a city in the United States or Canada that is controlled by a state or province, or they can be what is called a direct-controlled municipality. In China (as well as in North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan) a direct-controlled municipality is the highest classification a city can have. These cities have a status equal to provinces in that they are controlled directly by the Chinese government.
The following is information about China's four direct-controlled muncipalities.
1. Beijing
Beijing, located in northern China (map), is the country's capital and it is one of the country's largest direct-controlled municipalities based on both population. The city's population as of a 2010 estimate was 22,000,000 and the city is divided into 16 urban and suburban districts and two rural counties because it is so large. The area of Beijing is 6,487 square miles (16,801 sq km). Beijing is considered the center of China's culture, history and politics. It was one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China (along with Nanjing, Luoyang and Chang'an or Xi'an) and as such, there are a variety of historical sites throughout the city. Most recently, Beijing was host to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
2. Chongqing
Chongqing (map) is a very large direct-controlled municipality in China with a 2007 population estimate of 31,442,300. It is also large in area at 31,776 square miles (82,300 sq km). Because Chongqing is so large, it is divided into 19 districts, 17 counties and four independent counties. Chongqing is located in western China on the upper Yangtze River and it did not become a municipality until March 14, 1997, when it seceeded from Sichuan Province. Like Beijing, Chongqing is an important historical area in China as it served as the capital of the China during the Sino-Japanese War from 1937-1945. Chongqing has a humid subtropical climate and its summers are among the hottest in all of China.
3. Shanghai
Shanghai, located on the Yangtze River Delta on China's east coast is one of the most populous cities in both China and the world (map). Its 2009 population was estimated at 19,210,000. With its large population, Shanghai is very dense with an area of just 2,717 square miles (7,037 sq km). Because of its location on China's coast, Shanghai grew as a fishing center and port city, today however it is a center of global commerce, finance and research as well as culture and art. The city is considered one of the world's fastest growing economies. Shanghai, like both Beijing and Chongqing also has numerous historical sites. The climate of Shanghai is humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and and very cold winters.
4. Tianjin
Tianjin (map) is located in northeastern China near Beijing and along the Hai He River. It is the smallest of the direct-controlled municipalities based on population. In 2009, Tianjin had a population estimate ot 12,281,600, making it the sixth largest city in China. The city is divided into 16 county-level divisions which include 13 districts and three rural counties. Tianjin's area is 4,541 square miles (11,760 sq km) and it is mostly flat by the coast and hilly inland toward the north. The city became a direct-controlled municipality of China in 1927 and like the rest of China's municipalities, it has a long history. Tianjin has three climate zones which include humid subtropical, humid continental and semi-ard.