What Does Zhejiang Mean?
Why is Zhejiang Province Named as Such?
In fact, the naming of Zhejiang Province is similar to that of Heilongjiang Province. Heilongjiang is named after the Heilong River, while Zhejiang is named after a river as well. So, which river is Zhejiang referring to?
It is actually the Qiantang River. In ancient times, the Qiantang River was referred to as Zhejiang. This river is the largest in Zhejiang Province, flowing through Hangzhou and into the East China Sea.
The region known as Zhejiang Province was first named during the Qing Dynasty. The name “Zhejiang” can be traced back to the “Classic of Mountains and Seas” (Shan Hai Jing), which states: “Zhejiang produces three celestial capitals, located in the east, in the northwest of Fujian, flowing into the sea…”
It is also noted in the works of Qing Dynasty scholar Duan Yucai in his commentary on “Explaining Chinese Characters”: “Today, people commonly refer to the Qiantang River as Zhejiang…”
(Note: The “three celestial capitals” refers to an ancient mountain, and its exact location is debated. Some scholars have differing opinions on whether Zhejiang refers specifically to the Qiantang River.)
How the Names of Zhejiang’s Prefecture-Level Cities Originated
Zhejiang is named for its winding rivers and first became an administrative region during the Tang Dynasty. It currently has 11 prefecture-level cities, and their names come from various sources:
⭕️ Hangzhou: The name originated during the Sui Dynasty, derived from the subordinate Yuhang County. Before this, it was often referred to as Qiantang.
⭕️ Yuhang: The name is said to come from the legend of Dayu, who built a boat to cross the river, known as “Yuhang.” Modern scholars believe it may relate to ancient Yue language, similar to Suzhou and Zhuji.
⭕️ Ningbo: Originally Mingzhou, named after the Siming Mountain within its borders. It was changed to Ningbo to avoid naming taboos during the Ming Dynasty, meaning “when the sea is calm, the waves are peaceful.” The name Mingzhou might have made the Ming Dynasty seem less grand. It’s rare for places to change names for such reasons; similar instances from the Tang Dynasty are often considered exaggerated.
⭕️ Wenzhou: Several theories exist regarding its name. One suggests it lies south of the Wenchao Ridge, which is in Taizhou and also the source of the name Wenling. Others say it’s because of the region’s mild climate or the locals’ gentle nature.
⭕️ Jiaxing: Initially named after “He Xing” due to the wild rice growing there during the Three Kingdoms period, which was seen as an auspicious sign. It was later changed to Jiaxing to avoid taboos related to Prince Sun He.
⭕️ Huzhou: Named after Taihu Lake, although most of the lake is now under Suzhou’s jurisdiction.
⭕️ Shaoxing: Named during the Southern Song Dynasty after the era’s reign title, meaning “to continue the dynasty.” Shaoxing is associated with many historical figures, including Dayu, and its royal tombs are located here.
⭕️ Jinhua: Initially a county name, some say it comes from Jinhua Mountain. Others believe it relates to the celestial star Venus and the constellation of the Weaver Girl.
⭕️ Quzhou: Named after the Sanqu Mountain in the area. Some believe it’s a transportation hub connecting Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangxi provinces, with “qu” symbolizing connectivity.
⭕️ Zhoushan: Named after Zhoushan Island, which is said to resemble a boat or be a gathering place for vessels.
⭕️ Taizhou: Named after Tiantai Mountain, which is connected to the “Tai” star, also known as the “Three Tai Stars.”
⭕️ Lishui: Initially a county name, derived from the Lishui River or Liyang Mountain in the region.
During the Tang Dynasty, these cities had distinct names: Hangzhou, Mingzhou (Ningbo, with Zhoushan then under Mingzhou), Wenzhou, Huzhou, Yuezhou (Shaoxing), Wuzhou (Jinhua), Quzhou, Taizhou, and Kuaizhou/Chuzhou (Lishui). Jiaxing was established as a prefecture during the Five Dynasties and was initially named Xiuzhou.