The concepts of “Yin” (阴) and “Yang” (阳) are among the oldest philosophical ideas in Chinese culture. They embody the principle of the unity of opposites and represent the profound wisdom of the East. As Laozi stated in the Dao De Jing:
“Dao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three, and Three gives birth to all things. All things carry Yin and embrace Yang.”
Originally, “yin” and “yang” described the orientation of sunlight on geographical features. Over time, these terms were incorporated into place names across China. Even today, many locations bear names containing “yin” or “yang,” such as Shenyang, Luoyang, Anyang, Xinyang, Liaoyang, Hengyang, Fenyang, Huayin, Xiangyin, and Tangyin.ChinaFetching.com
Fundamental Meanings of Yin and Yang
- Yang (阳): Areas exposed to sunlight; associated with brightness and warmth.
- Yin (阴): Areas shielded from sunlight; associated with shade and coolness.ChinaFetching.com
Geographical Naming Conventions
In Chinese toponymy, the terms “yin” and “yang” are used based on the orientation of natural features:
- Yang: South side of a mountain or north bank of a river.
- Yin: North side of a mountain or south bank of a river.GoEast Mandarin+4Wikipedia+4friesian.com+4
For example:
- Luoyang (洛阳): Located on the north bank of the Luo River.
- Jiangyin (江阴): Situated on the south bank of the Yangtze River.Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4ChinaFetching.com+4ChinaFetching.com+1Facebook+1
Imbalance Between Yin and Yang in Place Names
There is a noticeable disparity in the number of place names containing “yang” versus those with “yin.” Over 120 locations include “yang,” while only about 10–15 feature “yin.” This preference is influenced by cultural associations:
- Yang: Symbolizes brightness, vitality, and auspiciousness.
- Yin: Conveys darkness and stillness, which are less favored in naming.
Notable Examples
Cities with “Yang” in Their Names
| City Name | Geographical Context | Province |
|---|---|---|
| Shenyang | North of the Hun River | Liaoning |
| Luoyang | North of the Luo River | Henan |
| Xianyang | North of the Wei River | Shaanxi |
| Guiyang | South of Mount Gui | Guizhou |
Cities with “Yin” in Their Names
| City Name | Geographical Context | Province |
|---|---|---|
| Huayin | North of Mount Hua | Shaanxi |
| Jiangyin | South of the Yangtze River | Jiangsu |
| Xiangyin | South of the Xiang River | Hunan |
Additional Insights
- In Jiangsu Province, approximately 10 out of 100 counties have names containing “yin” or “yang.”
- Yangjiang in Guangdong Province is named for its location on the north bank of the river, aligning with the “yang” designation.
- Some historical place names, such as Héyīn (河阴), meaning “south of the Yellow River,” are no longer in use.
Conclusion
Chinese place names reflect ancient geographical principles and cultural symbolism. The predominance of “yang” in toponyms aligns with traditional Chinese values that celebrate brightness and prosperity. These naming conventions illustrate the integration of philosophy and geography in Chinese culture.
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