Municipalities of China are major cities that operate at the same administrative level as provinces. There are four direct-controlled municipalities: Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Chongqing. These cities have significant political, economic, and cultural importance, serving as key centers for governance and commerce. Each municipality is governed directly by the central government, allowing for more autonomy in local administration. They are responsible for their own economic development and urban planning, making them vital to China's overall growth and modernization efforts.