Prefectures constitute the second administrative level in China's three-tier governance structure, with 341 such divisions currently operating across the country. These intermediate units serve as the crucial link between provincial governments and county-level administrations, handling regional economic planning, infrastructure development, and coordination of public services across multiple counties or county-level cities. Prefecture-level governments maintain responsibility for implementing national and provincial policies within their jurisdictions, managing regional transportation networks, overseeing education and healthcare systems, and directing local economic development initiatives. The prefecture level includes several organizational forms: prefecture-level cities (the most common type), prefectures, autonomous prefectures in minority regions, and leagues in Inner Mongolia. This administrative tier emerged as essential for managing China's vast territory and large population, providing a practical scale for regional governance that remains small enough for effective administration yet large enough to coordinate significant infrastructure projects and economic zones.