The first of the Classic of the Southern Mountains begins with Que Mountain. The first peak is called Mount Zhaoyao, which faces the Western Sea. It abounds in cinnamon trees, gold, and jade. There is a type of grass here, resembling leek but with blue flowers, called Zhu Yu. Eating it prevents hunger. There is also a tree resembling grain with black veins and radiant flowers called Mi Gu. Wearing it prevents confusion. A beast lives here, resembling a monkey with white ears, that crawls and runs swiftly. It is called the Xingxing, and eating it makes one a fast runner. The Lushi River flows from here, running westward into the sea, and it contains many Yupei stones. Wearing them protects from abdominal diseases.
Traveling three hundred li to the east, there is Mount Tangting, rich in yew trees, white apes, water jade, and gold.
Another three hundred and eighty li east, there is Mount Yuanyi, home to many strange beasts, peculiar fish, white jade, venomous snakes, and monstrous trees. It is not safe to climb.
Another three hundred and seventy li east lies Mount Yang. On its sunny side, there is much red gold, and on its shady side, white gold. A beast here resembles a horse but has a white head, tiger-like markings, and a red tail. Its voice sounds like a song, and it is called the Lushu. Wearing its fur ensures the prosperity of one's descendants. A strange river flows from here, running eastward into the water of Xianyi. The river contains many black turtles, which look like regular turtles but have bird heads and snake tails. They are called Xuangui, and their cry resembles the sound of chopping wood. Wearing their shells prevents deafness and can be used as a protective charm.
Another three hundred li east is Mount Di, which is rich in water but has no grass or trees. There is a fish here that resembles a cow, living on land with a snake-like tail and wings. Its feathers are under its belly, and it makes a sound like that of an ox. This fish is called the Kui. It dies in winter and is reborn in spring. Eating it prevents swelling diseases.
Another four hundred li east is Mount Shan’an. It is rich in water but has no grass or trees and is not climbable. A beast lives here resembling a wildcat but with long hair. It is called Lei and is both male and female by itself. Eating it removes jealousy.
Another three hundred li east lies Mount Ji. Its sunny side is rich in jade, and its shady side is full of strange trees. A beast here resembles a sheep with nine tails and four ears. Its eyes are on its back, and it is called the Bufuyi. Wearing its fur makes one fearless. A bird here resembles a chicken but has three heads, six eyes, six legs, and three wings. It is called Shangfu. Eating it prevents the need for sleep.
Another three hundred li east is Mount Qingqiu. Its sunny side is rich in jade, while its shady side is full of green pigments. A beast here resembles a fox but has nine tails and makes a sound like that of a baby. It can eat people, and consuming it prevents poisoning. A bird here resembles a dove, and its cry sounds like a sigh. It is called Guan Guan, and wearing its feathers protects against confusion. The Ying River flows from here and empties into the Zeyi Marsh. The river is home to many red fish, which have the body of a fish and the face of a human. They make a sound like that of a pair of mandarin ducks. Eating them prevents scabies.
Another three hundred and fifty li east is Mount Jiwei. Its tail extends into the Eastern Sea, and the area is rich in sand and stones. The Fang River flows from here and runs southward, emptying into the Yu River. It is abundant with white jade.
From the head of Que Mountain, starting from Zhaoyao to Mount Jiwei, there are ten mountains, spanning a distance of two thousand nine hundred and fifty li. The gods of these mountains all have the bodies of birds and the heads of dragons. The ritual offerings for them include a jade plaque, with millet and rice as sacrifices, and white rushes used as mats.
The second section of the Southern Classic begins with Gui Mountain, which faces the Yellow River to the west, the Zhubi Mountains to the north, and the Changyou Mountains to the east. The Ying River flows from here, running southwest into the Chishui River. It contains much white jade and red millet. A beast here resembles a pig but has claws, and it sounds like a barking dog. It is called the Lili. Its appearance signals that the surrounding area will have many construction projects. There is also a bird here with the body of an owl but human hands. Its cry sounds like the word "bi," and it is called the Zhuzhao bird. When it is seen, it indicates that the area will release many prisoners.
Four hundred and fifty li southeast is Mount Changyou. There is no grass or trees, but it is rich in water. A beast here resembles a monkey but has four ears. It is called Changyou, and its cry sounds like a chant. Its appearance foretells great floods in the area.
Another three hundred and forty li east lies Mount Yaoguang. Its sunny side is full of jade, and its shady side is rich in gold. A beast here resembles a human but has bristles like a boar and hibernates in winter. It is called the Huo, and its cry resembles the sound of chopping wood. Its appearance foretells that the region will face heavy labor duties.
Three hundred and seventy li east is Mount Yushan, which is rich in water and rain but lacks grass and trees. It is home to many venomous snakes.
Another four hundred li east is Mount Qufu, barren of vegetation but abundant in gold and jade.
Five hundred li further east is Mount Gouyu, also barren of grass and trees, but it is rich in gold and jade.
Five hundred li east lies Mount Fuyu, which faces north toward Juqu and east toward Zhubi. A beast here resembles a tiger but has the tail of an ox. It is called Zhi and preys on humans. The Tiao River flows from its shady side, running north into Juqu. It is abundant with cichlid fish.
Another five hundred li east is Mount Cheng, which is square-shaped and has three altars. It is rich in gold and jade at the summit, while the base is full of green pigments. The Menshi River flows from here, running southward into the Hushao River. It is full of gold.
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