The Celestial Empire

The Celestial Empire refers historically to China, emphasizing its imperial history and the belief that it was the "center of the universe" under the emperor’s divine authority. The term highlights China's long, rich cultural tradition, vast territory, and the central role of the emperor as a linkage between heaven and earth. It also reflects traditional views of China as a sophisticated civilization with a unique political and cultural identity, which often influenced how China interacted with neighboring countries and viewed itself relative to the wider world.