How Many Time Zones are in China?

Answer: Geographically, China have 5 standard time zones (UTC +5 through UTC +9). However, the entire country only follows one time zone. That is, the China Standard Time (UTC +8:00).

Why Does China Have Only One Official Time Zone?

Chairman Mao Zedong, after founding the People’s Republic of China (1949), decided that the entire nation would only follow 1 time zone. This will be the single standard time (Beijing Time, UTC +8:00). How Many Time Zones are in China? The answer is one. The decision was to promote national unity and make the administration of the country easier.

Before 1949, China had 5 official time zones. These time zones are:

1. Kunlun Time (UTC +5:30)
2. Sinkiang–Tibet Time (UTC +6:00)
3. Kansu–Szechwan Time (UTC +7:00)
4. Chungyuan Time (UTC +8:00)
5. Changpai Time (UTC +8:30)

Once the unification under one standard time was declared, all clocks starting from government offices in Beijing to schools in Shanghai, were changed. The clocks were moved to UTC +8:00.

Geographically, How Many Time Zones Does China Span?

China’s territory extends about 60° of longitude from west to east. This means each time zone covers 15° of longitude and differs by 1 hour. A country having 60° would normally have 4 time zones. They added a fifth since small half-hour shifts are considered. In practice, there were 5 time zones.UTC +5 (around 75° E longitude), UTC +6 (around 90° E), UTC +7 (around 105° E), UTC +8 (around 120° E), and UTC +9 touches the far east near 135° E. To simplify the scheduling of trains, flights, and nationwide broadcasts, one time zone is followed.

Does Anyone in China Use a Different Time Locally?

Yes. The Xinjiang Province (the westernmost region) makes use of an unofficial Xinjiang Time (UTC +6:00). This is particularly followed among the local Uyghur community. 

How Many Time Zones are in China? China has one timezone. The Beijing Time (UTC +8:00) is used by most government officials, institutions and people of Han descent. Xinjiang Time (UTC +6:00) is more aligned with the position of the sun there. For example, in Kashgar, solar noon can be as late as 3:10 pm Beijing Time. Dual usage can result in two different “local” times.

Conclusion:

Now you know how many time zones are in China. China has one time zone. Having one timezone has affected the daily lives of people. The entire country would use UTC +8:00 for official purposes. Although time differs in China, the people have adjusted their lives accordingly. For example, in the Xinjiang region, people have adjusted their clocks, meals, work, and TV to follow the one standard time.

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