Functional and semantic characteristics of Chinese toponyms

The article studies etymology and functional semantics of geographic names in China. The aim of research is to determine the dominant factor when naming geographic objects in China. Every culture produces certain kind of proper names when reflecting some of its particles. The specific feature of Chinese lexis is its complex building that makes it possible to understand its meaning by reference to its elements. It is typical for both narrative and proper names. The author distinguishes two groups of toponyms. One of them reflects natural and geographic features of China and the other reflects some spiritual and cultural peculiarities of peoples. Functional and semantic characteristics of toponyms give the opportunity to follow and analyze the changes that happened in their meanings, to evaluate the influence of environmental and inner factors and to determine the peculiarities of the perception of the world by the native speakers of Chinese.