Multiple locations in Sichuan are cleaning up and standardizing non-standard place names: names like "Killing Hollow," "Pig Pen," and "Shit-Throwing Bridge" are being considered for renaming.

Ask AI · How can policy promote standardized place names in Sichuan and preserve cultural heritage?

Recently, civil affairs bureaus in multiple counties and cities within Sichuan Province have issued public notices proposing renaming certain townships’ and towns’ place names, advancing the cleanup and rectification of non-standard place names.

For example, on March 27, the Civil Affairs Bureau of Xingwen County in Yibin City issued an announcement stating that, in order to thoroughly implement the Regulations on the Administration of Place Names and further strengthen place-name management and preserve the cultural heritage of the Miao township, Xingwen County is conducting, in an orderly manner, the cleanup and rectification of non-standard place names. The focus is on rectifying disorder and irregularities in place names such as “Da, Yang, Guai, Chong.” The aim is to make place names more compliant, more fitting, and more distinctive of Xingwen. After review at the village (community) and township levels, public input is now being solicited regarding the proposed renaming of non-standard place names. The period for soliciting opinions is from March 27, 2026 to April 6, 2026.

The non-standard place names proposed for renaming in this notice from Xingwen County include: Zhoujia Town Luopu Village Group 4’s “Sharen’ao” is proposed to be renamed “Guihuatuo.” The reason is that within this area there grows a single osmanthus tree with an estimated age of about 50–60 years. The tree’s form is good and it is highly identifiable. Local residents are accustomed to referring to this place as “Guihuatuo”; the place-name origin is clear and it enjoys broad recognition among local residents.

Daba Miao Township Xiaozhai Village Group 2’s “Sharen’ao” is proposed to be renamed “Shanyang’ao.” The reason is that there are many wild animals in this area, especially goats. Goats often pass through the mouth of the depression, and local residents are accustomed to referring to this place as “Shanyang’ao.” The place-name origin is clear and it has a high level of recognition among local residents.

Gusong Town Jinlong Village Group 1’s “Yiqun Zhu” is proposed to be renamed “Yiwanshui.” The reason is that within this area there is a water hollow shaped like a bowl. The water never runs dry throughout the year and nourishes the local people. Local residents are accustomed to referring to this place as “Yiwanshui.” The place-name origin is clear and it enjoys high recognition among local residents.

Dahe Miao Township Luobailiang Village Group 1’s “Sharen’ao” is proposed to be renamed “Paifang’ao.” The reason is that within this area there is a paifang (traditional archway) and it is highly identifiable. Local residents are accustomed to referring to this place as “Paifang’ao.” The place-name origin is clear and it has a high level of recognition among local residents.

In addition, on March 23, the Civil Affairs Bureau of Xuanhan County in Dazhou issued a public notice saying that, to further strengthen place-name standardization and management, and to solidly advance the cleanup and rectification of non-standard place names, it is necessary to fully play the important role of place-name services in promoting the economic and social development of the region. In accordance with relevant provisions of the Regulations on the Administration of Place Names and the Sichuan Provincial Measures for the Administration of Place Names, and in light of Xuanhan County’s actual situation, the county civil affairs bureau has now announced proposed renaming plans for some townships’ and towns’ place names, including those in Fengcheng Town, and is widely soliciting opinions and suggestions from all sectors of society.

The specific items include: Fengcheng Town Tianfu Community “Shishiliang,” proposed to be renamed “Ashiliang.” This is because the place name is derived from terrain features resembling a stone ramp. Huajing Town Huajing Village “Huajing Shishiliang,” proposed to be renamed “Shuijingshan.” This is because there is a well near the slope. Tuhuang Town Bai Pingling Village “Bai Pingling Village Shishiliang,” proposed to be renamed “Fengxiangshu Daliang.” This is because, on the ridge, there has been a patch of fengxiangshu trees growing since ancient times. Chaihe Town Banxian Village “Sharen’ping,” proposed to be renamed “Dawoping.” This is because the terrain is shaped like a hollow depression. Hongfeng Town Shibao Village “Sharen’gou,” proposed to be renamed “Dashigou.” This is because there are many stones in this area. Maoba Town Luwang Village “Sharen’gou,” proposed to be renamed “Shuijingu.” This is because there is a well in the gully.

The Civil Affairs Bureau of Wanyuan City in Dazhou also issued, on March 23, a public notice proposing to rename four non-standard place names in Wanyuan City.

Among them, Zengjia Township Zengjiaxiang Huahongwan Village “Sharenwan” is proposed to be renamed “Dopo Wan.” Guandao Town Magao Xi Village “Sharen’ping” is proposed to be renamed “Piaoshuitang.” Huangzhong Town Langci Temple Village “Amituofo” is proposed to be renamed “Yuandopan Shiheba.” Luowen Town Baiyangan Village “Sharenwan” is proposed to be renamed “Cizhu Wan.”