Five Sacred Ranges

Five Sacred Ranges

The Shan Hai Jing divides the ancient world into five mountain ranges — each one home to distinct creatures, herbs, and spirits. Pick a range to explore.

Southern Mountains

南山经

7 Creatures

Verdant southern peaks, home to mystical beasts and rare herbs

Key Mountains
Que MountainZhaoyao MountainQingqiu MountainDanxue Mountain
Notable Creatures
Nine-Tailed FoxPhoenixBiyiniaoLushuXuanguiGudiaoXingxing
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Western Mountains

西山经

8 Creatures

Towering western heights, concealing gems and five-colored birds

Key Mountains
Qianlai MountainJade MountainTianshanMount Changyang
Notable Creatures
XingtianHundunNüwaQueen MotherYingzhaoBifangTiangouFeiyi
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Northern Mountains

北山经

6 Creatures

Frozen northern domains, where strange creatures roam free

Key Mountains
Danhu MountainFajiu MountainGouwu Mountain
Notable Creatures
JingweiTaotieKuafuQiongqiZhujianQingyu
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Eastern Mountains

东山经

7 Creatures

Eastern shores where the Nine-Tailed Fox reigns

Key Mountains
Kongsang MountainLiubo MountainKingdom of Qingqiu
Notable Creatures
KuiQingqiuDangkangZhuruJingjingLuolongTianwu
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Central Mountains

中山经

6 Creatures

The sacred center where the Phoenix descends

Key Mountains
Bo MountainJingshanGuyao Mountain
Notable Creatures
Hou YiYao GrassYu the GreatXunchiMingsheFeiyu
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The five ranges correspond roughly to southern, western, northern, eastern, and central China — as understood by the writers around 300 BCE.