Xikang

former province, China

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July 13, 2026

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Xikang was a former province in China, with its capital at Kangding. Kangding is located in western Sichuan province, on the route to Tibet. The area was historically a market for trade between Chinese and Tibetan merchants.1

Xikang province was established after 1938, and Kangding served as its capital until 1950. The province was officially abolished in 1955. Kangding has since developed hydroelectric power and handicraft industries, and it remains a center for interaction between Han Chinese and Tibetans.1

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Sichuan
Constitutional framework
In 1955 former Xikang province, at the edge of the Plateau of Tibet, was incorporated into Sichuan province, and in 1997 the eastern part of Sichuan, centred on Chongqing, was upgraded to China’s fourth province-level municipality. Sichuan is now divided into 18 prefecture-level municipalities (dijishi) and 3 autonomous…
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In 1955 former Xikang province, at the edge of the Plateau of Tibet, was incorporated into Sichuan province, and in 1997 the eastern part of Sichuan, centred on Chongqing, was upgraded to China’s fourth province-level municipality. Sichuan is now divided into 18 prefecture-level municipalities (dijishi) and 3 autonomous…
Read More