West China has been defined by the State Council as Chongqing
municipalities, Sichuan Province, Guizhou Province, Yunnan Province,
Xizang(Tibet) Autonomous Region, Shannxi Province, Gansu Province,
Ningxia Hui Minority Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, Xinjiang
Weiwu’er Autonomous Region, Neimeng Gu Autonomous Region, and
Guangxi Zuang Minority Autonomous Region. It has an area of 6,608,300
sq.km and a population of 355 ×106, accounting for approximately 69
and 27% of the total area and population of China, respectively. West
China spans 52° of longitude and 32° of latitude, and its main part is
located west of 110° east. It is far from the sea, but shares 14,970 km of
boundaries with 14 countries or territories (Shaowu Wang and Guangrong
Dong 2002).
West China, with abundant natural resources, such as water power, oil,
and coal, has much potential for development. Besides, it is the main
region of minorities and a region with the largest population living in
poverty.