China's customs administration categorizes domestic regions according to two key principles: "more detailed divisions for more developed economies" and "separate classification for special economic zones." These special zones—including export processing areas, economic-technological development zones, high-tech industrial development zones, bonded logistics parks, and comprehensive bonded zones—are established to stimulate economic growth.
Provincial Breakdown: Economic Strength Meets Administrative Structure
The number of subdivisions within Chinese provinces correlates with their economic development. Jiangsu Province leads with 58 administrative divisions, accounting for 6.69% of the national total. Guangdong follows closely with 55 divisions, while Chongqing (51), Shandong (48), and Zhejiang (40) complete the top five.
Notable Observation: Despite Zhejiang's economic prominence, its relatively streamlined administrative structure—comprising just 11 prefecture-level cities—results in fewer official divisions compared to peers. However, the province compensates with granular county-level classifications.
Zhejiang's Distinctive Development Model
Zhejiang's economic landscape features:
- Concentrated special economic zones in Ningbo and Hangzhou
- Notable county-level cities like Yiwu (globally recognized for commerce) and Cixi (a consistent top-10 performer in China's county rankings)
- Strategic port cities driving regional logistics
The province's special economic zones predominantly cluster around its twin economic engines: Hangzhou and Ningbo. Ningbo particularly stands out with its comprehensive development zones, high-tech industrial parks, and multiple bonded areas. Wenzhou, while economically significant, maintains just one economic-technological development zone.
Eastern China's Polycentric Development
China's eastern seaboard provinces typically feature multiple economic hubs:
- Guangdong: Guangzhou and Shenzhen
- Fujian: Fuzhou and Xiamen (though Quanzhou leads in GDP)
- Zhejiang: Hangzhou and Ningbo
- Jiangsu: Nanjing and Suzhou
- Shandong: Jinan and Qingdao
Port cities like Shenzhen, Xiamen, Ningbo, Qingdao, and Dalian play dual roles as economic powerhouses and critical logistics nodes, facilitating regional and international trade.
Zhejiang's Customs Code Structure
The province's customs jurisdiction reflects its economic priorities through specific codes:
- Province-wide: Code 33 (Zhejiang)
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Key development zones:
- 33012: Hangzhou Economic-Technological Development Area
- 33013: Hangzhou High-Tech Industrial Development Zone
- 33015: Zhejiang Hangzhou Export Processing Zone
- 33022: Ningbo Economic-Technological Development Area
- 33024: Ningbo Beilun Port Bonded Zone
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County-level cities:
- 33129: Yuyao (Ningbo)
- 33189: Yiwu (Jinhua)
- 33209: Cixi (Ningbo)
This detailed classification system not only mirrors Zhejiang's economic characteristics but also provides the institutional framework for efficient regional commerce.
