Final answer:
Before the 19th century, people living in what is now known as China identified more with their local regions and cultural practices than with a singular national Chinese identity, which did not solidify until later in history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the 19th century, people living in what is now China would not have thought of themselves as part of a singular Chinese nation. The concept of a clear-cut Chinese identity emerged later in history, with the idea of the "Middle Kingdom" only becoming widespread towards the end of the 19th century.
Even during the time of the Qing Dynasty, which fostered a sense of unity through centralized power and economic control, the vast territories were home to many different ethnic groups and languages. The sense of being 'Chinese' was, historically, more closely associated with cultural practices, such as shared rituals and celebrations, than with ethnic or national identity.
Moreover, during periods such as the Warring States, the political landscape was fragmented, and loyalty often lay with local states rather than a central Chinese nation. Hence, the identity of people in the region was more fluid and varied than the national Chinese identity that would develop in the later 19th century.