Reinterpreting China: An analysis of the national spirit embodied in the country’s name
CSTR:
Author:
Affiliation:

School of History and Culture, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, P. R. China

Clc Number:

K092

Fund Project:

  • Article
  • |
  • Figures
  • |
  • Metrics
  • |
  • Reference
  • |
  • Related
  • |
  • Cited by
  • |
  • Materials
  • |
  • Comments
    Abstract:

    The national title "Zhongguo" (China) appears straightforward at first glance, yet carries profound and multilayered connotations. Its essence aligns with the core concept of the "Three Transformations" principle in the Yijing. As a linguistic concept, the term "Zhongguo" embodies fluidity in meaning. Throughout ancient Chinese history, it encompassed diverse interpretations: the imperial capital, royal domains, territories under the Son of Heaven, the Central Plains regions, states inheriting Huaxia civilization, honorific titles for ancient regimes, and a historical-geographical concept of China.As a political symbol, "Zhongguo" represents a simplified political ideal rooted in the "Mandate of Heaven" (Tianming). It denotes a superior political center within the traditional "All-under-Heaven" (Tianxia) order, structured around the principle of "civilized central states versus peripheral barbarians" (nei Zhonghua er wai Yidi). All other interpretations derive from this foundational concept, making "Zhongguo" a self-referential title for regimes claiming or possessing elevated political status.As a spiritual bond, "Zhongguo" constitutes an immutable cultural gene. As the superior political center in the Tianxia framework, it assumed responsibility for civilizational leadership, cultural dissemination, and moral stewardship. Consequently, the ethos of self-strengthening and historical mission became ingrained in the "Zhongguo" identity, fostering a centripetal force that facilitated cultural integration between the Central Plains agrarian civilization and surrounding ethnic groups. The evolution of "Zhongguo" reflects dynamic textual interpretations, streamlined political essences, and enduring spiritual continuity. This dialectic of change and constancy intertwines with ancient ethnic integration: cross-cultural interactions enriched the national spirit embedded in the title, while the title itself guided integration processes, ultimately forging a unified, multi-ethnic China. Today, the ideals of self-reliance and global responsibility inherent in "Zhongguo" remain vital spiritual forces driving China's development and the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Reference
    Related
    Cited by
Get Citation

常志浩,李玉君.再释“中国”——中国国号承载的民族精神探析[J].重庆大学学报社会科学版,2025,31(3):172~184

Copy
Related Videos

Share
Article Metrics
  • Abstract:
  • PDF:
  • HTML:
  • Cited by:
History
  • Received:
  • Revised:
  • Adopted:
  • Online: July 15,2025
  • Published:
Article QR Code