Classic of Mountains and Seas. South Mountains: Passage I

This passage describes the mountain system of Queshan in the «Classic of Mountains and Seas». Queshan is the first mountain range mentioned in the classic, and its first peak is called Zhaoyao Mountain. Zhaoyao Mountain is located near the Western Sea and is covered with many cinnamon trees, as well as abundant gold and jade. There is a type of grass on the mountain that resembles leeks and has green flowers. It is called Zhuyu. Eating it prevents hunger. Another tree on the mountain resembles a fir tree, with black veins on its branches. Its flowers emit light, illuminating the surroundings. This tree is called Miguguo, and wearing it prevents getting lost. There is also a wild animal in the mountain that looks like a macaque but has white ears. It moves by crawling and can also walk upright like a human. It is called Xingxing, and eating its meat makes one run faster. The Liji River originates from Zhaoyao Mountain and flows west into the sea. The river contains many yupei stones, and wearing them prevents diseases caused by parasites.

Three hundred miles further east, there is a mountain called Tangting Mountain. Many teak trees grow in the mountain, and it is inhabited by many white apes. Additionally, there is an abundance of crystals and gold in the mountain.

Three hundred and eighty miles further east, there is a mountain called Yuanyi Mountain. This mountain is inhabited by many strange beasts, and the waters surrounding it are teeming with strange fish. On the mountain, there are plentiful white jade, venomous snakes, and strange serpents. Additionally, there are many peculiar trees, making it impossible for humans to climb.

Three hundred and seventy miles further east, there is a mountain called Chouyang Mountain. On the southern side of the mountain, there is an abundance of red gold, while on the northern side, there is plentiful white gold. In the mountain, there is a creature resembling a horse, with a white head, tiger-like patterns on its body, and a red tail. Its cry sounds like singing, and it is called Lushu. Wearing its fur can bring blessings to future generations. There is a strange water source that originates from Chouyang Mountain, flowing east into the Xianyi River. In the water, there are many black turtles shaped like turtles, with bird-like heads and tails resembling those of snakes. These creatures are called Xuangui. They emit sounds similar to the sound of splitting wood. Wearing them can prevent deafness and cure calluses on the hands and feet.

Three hundred miles further east, there is a mountain called Dishi Mountain. Dishi Mountain has many waters, but there are no grass or trees on the mountain. In the mountain, there is a type of fish resembling a cow in shape. It lives on the hills, has a snake-like tail, and wings that grow under its ribs. Its cry is like that of a cow. It is called Lu. It hibernates in winter and wakes up in summer. Eating its meat prevents the growth of poisonous sores on humans.

Four hundred miles further east, there is a mountain called Danyuan Mountain. The mountain is abundant in water but lacks grass and trees, making it impossible for people to climb. In the mountain, there is a creature resembling a mountain cat with hair on its head. This creature is called Lei and possesses both male and female characteristics. Eating its meat prevents jealousy in humans.

Three hundred miles further east, there is a mountain called Ji Mountain. On the southern side of the mountain, there are many jade stones, while many strange trees grow on the northern side. In the mountain, there is a creature resembling a sheep with nine tails, four ears, and eyes on its back. It is called «𤉋 (zheng)». Wearing its fur makes people fearless. There is a bird in the mountain that looks like a chicken but has three heads, six eyes, six legs, and three wings. It is called «Bird Chang». Eating its meat makes people not want to sleep.

Three hundred miles further east, there is a mountain called Qingqiu Mountain. On the southern side of the mountain, there are many jade stones, while on the northern side, there are many minerals that can be used to make green pigments. In the mountain, there is a wild animal resembling a fox with nine tails. It emits cries like a baby’s cry and can eat humans. Eating its meat protects against the invasion of poisonous gases. There is a bird in the mountain resembling a dove. Its call sounds like people loudly scolding. This bird is called Guanguan. Wearing its feathers prevents confusion.

The Ying River originates from Qingqiu Mountain, flowing south into the Yize Marsh. In the Ying River, there are many redfish resembling fish but with faces like humans. Their calls sound like the cries of mandarin ducks. Eating their meat prevents scabies.

Three hundred and fifty miles further east, there is a mountain called Jiwei Mountain. The tail of the mountain sits by the East Sea coast, and the mountain is mostly composed of sandstone. The Fang River originates from this mountain, flowing south into the Yu River. In the Fang River, there is a lot of white jade.

The mountain range from Que Mountain, starting with the first mountain, Zhaoyao Mountain, all the way to Jiwei Mountain, totals ten mountains, spanning a length of 2950 miles. The shape of the mountain god for each of these mountains is that of a bird-bodied dragon head. The ritual for worshipping the mountain god involves burying a furry animal along with a piece of jade underground. Glutinous rice is used as the offering rice, and white thatch is laid as a mat under the mountain god’s seat.