Useful Chinese words (in pinyin) frequently used to form place names.
Note, however, that Chinese words can have multiple meanings depending on pronunciation (the 4 tones). Although the four tones can be indicated through the use of accents in Pin-Yin, these are not commonly seen.
The following examples will be frequently noticed in the places you visit in China.
Bei | North |
Nan | South |
Xi | West |
Dong | East |
Men | Gate |
Qiao | Bridge |
Hu / Hai | Lake / Sea |
Shui | Water |
Shan | Hill / Mountain |
Hua | Flower |
Yuan | Garden |
Cun | Village |
Gong | Palace |
Si | Temple |
Ting | Pavilion |
Zhan | Train station |