The 47th Division (Chinese: 第47师) was created in February 1949 under the Regulation of the Redesignations of All Organizations and Units of the Army, issued by Central Military Commission on November 1, 1948, basing on the 2nd Brigade, 1st Column of Zhongyuan Field Army.

Its history can be traced to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Column of Jinjiluyu Military Region formed on September 22, 1945.

Under the command of the 16th Corps, it took part in many major battles during the Chinese civil war.

The division took part in the Chinese Civil War.In September 1951 Tank Regiment (later renamed as 253rd Tank Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment) was activated and attached to the division.In December 1952 the division entered Korea as a part of People's Volunteer Army.

On April 18, 1958, the division pulled out from Korea and was stationed in Siping, Jilin province.