← Characters

nán

What does mean?

Traveler reading for VibeHanzi · seen at 3 published landmarks

What it means

south

In this place

In 南锣鼓巷: south — the lane sat south of the old drum tower quarter.

Remember this

南 leads the name like a compass pin — Beijing hutong names often start with direction. Read it as “south drum alley,” not “south random street.”

Where you’ll see it

Same character, other boards

Quick answers

What does 南 (nán) mean for travelers?
south
Where will I see 南 in China?
On VibeHanzi it is taught at Nanluoguxiang, Nanshan One Tree, Nanjing Road. Each spot page shows the plaque context; Match locks the reading in under a minute.
How do I remember 南 on the street?
南 leads the name like a compass pin — Beijing hutong names often start with direction. Read it as “south drum alley,” not “south random street.”