Explore Cities
Journey through China's most historic cities and their place names
Why Place Names Matter
Every Name Tells a Story
Chinese place names are uniquely rich in meaning, often incorporating elements of geography, history, philosophy, and cultural aspirations. Unlike many Western place names that simply describe physical features, Chinese toponyms frequently encode complex cultural concepts and historical narratives.
From Beijing's "Northern Capital" to Xi'an's "Western Peace," each name reflects the hopes, values, and worldview of the people who named these places across millennia of Chinese civilization.
What You'll Discover
- Historical origins and cultural meanings
- Ancient legends and philosophical wisdom
- Connections to Chinese civilization
- Stories that bridge past and present