The Communist Party's leadership has sent special inspection teams to Chongqing, Jiangxi, Guizhou and a state-owned enterprise in a high-profile campaign to curb corrupt practices.
Chongqing was at the centre of controversy last year after the downfall of its former party chief Bo Xilai . His trial on corruption charges is pending.
The dispatch of the special inspection teams coincided with commentaries in state media disavowing Western political practice and saying imperial institutions could provide inspiration in tackling rampant corruption.
In a ceremony in Chongqing on Thursday, the inspection team chief, Xu Guangchun , said the inspection was an "important duty imposed by the party" to check on instances of bribery, extravagance and the abuse of power for personal gain.
"[The inspection] is determined to check if cadres have openly expressed opposition to the theories and policy directions, and if cadres are inwardly resisting major decisions of the central authority," Xu said.
The inspection team would also focus on whether officials had adopted erroneous practices in promoting cadres, Xu added.
Similar teams were sent to Guizhou and Jiangxi and the China Grain Reserves Corporation.