Abstract: Chinese historical map is the map that can best express the origin and changes of Chinese territory. It is related to national security,territorial integrity and national dignity, and has serious political nature, rigorous scientific, strict legality and strong professionalism.But now, the map review and return rate of Chinese historical map is high, and the occurrence rate of “problem map” of map monitoring is high. This paper fully analyzes the representation characteristics of Chinese historical maps in historical geography academic monographs and history textbooks, and deeply studies the relevant policies and technical requirements, then systematically expounds the public representation methods and requirements of Chinese historical maps from the aspects of the comparative expression of historical and modern contents, historical territory and historical place names. It will provide reference for the compilation, supervision and use of public Chinese historical maps, and promote the healthy and prosperous development of China's historical map to a certain extent.

Key words: historical map, historical and modern content comparison, territory, boundary of a regime or a tribe, problem map