名胜

• Pinyin: míng shèng
• Hanzi breakdown: 名 = famous/renowned; 胜 = victory, also scenic beauty. Places famous for their beauty.

Meaning

Famous scenic spot; place of historic or natural interest.

Refers to well-known places worth visiting for their scenery, historical significance, or cultural value. Often paired with 古迹 to form 名胜古迹 (famous scenic spots and historical sites). Used in tourism contexts and general cultural discussions.

Examples

1. 黄山是中国最著名的名胜之一，每年吸引数百万游客。 Huangshan is one of China's most famous scenic spots, attracting millions of tourists every year.
2. 这座城市拥有众多名胜古迹，三天也逛不完。 This city has numerous famous scenic spots and historical sites — three days isn't enough to see them all.
3. 我们计划趁假期把周边的名胜都走一遍。 We're planning to visit all the nearby famous sights during the holiday.

Usage Guide

Context: tourism, culture, travel

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 这里有什么名胜值得一看？(What famous sights are worth seeing here?)
• 名胜古迹要好好保护。(Famous scenic and historic sites should be well protected.)

Don't Say

• 把普通景点称为名胜 (名胜 implies fame and significance, not just any scenic spot)

Origin & History

Compound of 名 (famous) + 胜 (scenic/beautiful place). Famous scenic locations.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal