South Sea(南海):
In Chinese, it is pronounced as: nán hǎi，Written as:

The term “South Sea” can refer to different concepts. In the novel *Journey to the West*, it refers to the ashram of Guanyin Bodhisattva.
In modern times, located in the southern part of mainland China, it is part of the western Pacific Ocean and one of China’s three major marginal seas. The South Sea covers an area of about 3.5 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest marginal seas in the world. This sea area is rich in marine resources and biodiversity and serves as a crucial global maritime corridor. The South Sea is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, with a significant amount of international trade passing through it. Additionally, the South Sea also harbors substantial oil and natural gas resources, giving it significant economic and strategic value.
In Chinese history, the South Sea was an important node on the maritime Silk Road, a place where various cultures converged. Through trade with Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and even farther to the West, the South Sea region developed a rich and diverse cultural tradition. The maritime Silk Road left behind many historical sites and cultural heritages, such as port cities and ancient shipwrecks, which showcase the historical prosperity of the South Sea region.
Each concept of the “South Sea” holds significant importance within its specific domain. Geographically, the South Sea is closely watched for its strategic and resource value, culturally, it demonstrates the rich exchanges and integration of history, and as a local administrative region, it reflects the economic vitality of modern China.