Etymological Examination of “China” and “Cathay”
The origin of the term “China” can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty in ancient times. According to Liu Zhenqing’s research, “China” originates from the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, not from the Qin Dynasty established by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Despite the short existence of the Qin Dynasty, the name “Qin” has become synonymous with “China”.'