Abstract: Names reflect the different historical periods, different regional geography and culture. The place name is the living fossil of social culture and the rich historical and cultural heritage. Understanding more Chinese place names' culture resources can better inherit and carry forward the Chinese traditional culture. This paper presents the evolution mode of Chinese place names, words constitution, forms and characteristics. And to reveal the rich social culture code contained in the place-names.

Key words: Chinese place-name, structure, geography, culture