What is the difference between Inner China and Proper?

Inner China and Proper are two terms that have been used to refer to the central region of China. While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are actually some subtle differences between them.

Inner China is a broader term that refers to the region of China that is located north and west of the Yangtze River. This area includes the provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet. Inner China is also sometimes referred to as the "heartland" of China, as it is the region where Chinese civilization originated and developed.

Proper is a more specific term that refers to the region of China that is located south of the Yangtze River and north of the Nanling Mountains. This area includes the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, and Sichuan. Proper is considered to be the most economically and culturally developed region of China.

The main difference between Inner China and Proper is their geographic location. Inner China is located in the north and west of China, while Proper is located in the south and east. This difference in location has led to some differences in the climate, geography, and culture of the two regions.

Inner China is generally drier and more mountainous than Proper. The climate of Inner China is also more temperate, with hot summers and cold winters. The people of Inner China are mostly Han Chinese, but there are also large minorities of Mongols, Tibetans, and other ethnic groups.

Proper is generally wetter and more humid than Inner China. The climate of Proper is also more subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. The people of Proper are mostly Han Chinese, but there are also large minorities of Yue people, Hakka people, and other ethnic groups.

The differences between Inner China and Proper have also had an impact on the history and development of the two regions. Inner China was the center of Chinese civilization for centuries, and it was the home of many of China's most famous dynasties. Proper, on the other hand, was a relatively undeveloped region until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). However, Proper has since become the most economically and culturally developed region of China.

Today, Inner China and Proper are two distinct regions of China with their own unique histories, cultures, and economies. However, the two regions are also increasingly interconnected, and they are both playing a vital role in China's rise as a global power.