The 188th Division (Chinese: 第188师) was created in January 1949 under the Regulation of the Redesignations of All Organizations and Units of the Army, issued by Central Military Commission on November 1, 1948,[1] basing on the 8th Brigade, 3rd Column of the Jinchaji Military Region.
Under the flag of 188th division it took part in several major battles in the Chinese Civil War.
In February 1951 the division entered Korea with the Corps HQ as a part of People's Volunteer Army.
In January 1953 393rd Tank Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment was formed and attached to the division.
In December 1966, following the outbreak of the Cultural Revolution, the division moved to Beijing and stationed in Xicheng district for security mission.