The first mountain in the Central Classic of the Mountains is Mount Ganzhao, where the Gong River originates and flows west into the Yellow River. The summit is abundant in Niu trees, while at the base grows a plant with leaves like those of sunflowers. It has yellow flowers and pod-like fruits, called Tuo, which can cure confusion. A beast called Nen lives here, resembling a striped rat. Eating it cures goiters.
Twenty li east is Mount Lier, which is abundant in a type of tree with square stems and round leaves. It has yellow flowers and a fuzzy texture, with fruits resembling grains. Eating this plant improves memory.
Fifteen li east is Mount Quzhu, which is covered with bamboo. The Quzhu River originates here, flowing south into the Yellow River. The river contains a type of fish called Hao, which resembles a tuna with a red beak and tail feathers. Eating this fish cures white scaly skin disease.
Thirty-five li east is Mount Conglong, which is rich in white, black, blue, and yellow ochre.
Fifteen li east is Mount Wo, where the summit is rich in red copper, and the shady side is abundant in iron.
Seventy li east is Mount Tuo, where a plant grows with leaves like those of a sunflower and red flowers. Its pods are like palm fruit, and it is called Zhi Chu, which can cure lethargy. Eating it prevents eye diseases.
Twenty li east is Mount Jin Xing, which is rich in a substance called Tian Ying, resembling dragon bones. It is used to treat skin ulcers.
Seventy li east is Mount Taiwei, where there is a valley called Xiao Valley, rich in iron.
Fifteen li east is Mount Gu Valley, which is abundant in red copper.
One hundred twenty li east is Mount Wulin, which is rich in a type of herb called Gu grass.
Thirty li north is Mount Niushou, where a plant called Gui Grass grows. Its leaves resemble those of a sunflower, but its stems are red, and its spikes resemble millet. Eating it relieves sorrow. The Lao River originates here, flowing west into the Yue River, and is rich in flying fish resembling crucian carp. Eating them cures hemorrhoids and stomach ailments.
Forty li north is Mount Huo, which is abundant in mulberry trees. A beast called Feifei lives here, resembling a wildcat with a white tail and a mane. Keeping it as a pet relieves sadness.
Fifty-two li north is Mount Hegu, which is abundant in thorn bushes.
Thirty-five li north is Mount Yin, which is rich in grindstones and patterned stones. The Shao River originates here, and its waters are home to the Diao Tang plant, which has leaves like those of an elm tree. Its fruits resemble red beans. Eating them cures deafness.
Four hundred li northeast is Mount Gudeng, which is rich in red copper. A plant called Rong Grass grows here, with leaves resembling willows and roots like chicken eggs. Boiling it cures rheumatism.
In total, from Mount Ganzhao to Mount Gudeng, there are fifteen mountains, spanning six thousand six hundred seventy li. The deity of Mount Lier is honored with grand sacrifices using jade, while the other thirteen mountains require the sacrifice of a sheep and a child bound with mulberry cords. Jade is buried as part of the ritual, without food offerings.
The second section of the Central Classic begins with Mount Huizhu, where the summit is rich in mulberry trees, and the area is abundant in roe deer. The mountain is home to many birds, including the Hehe bird.
Two hundred li southwest is Mount Fashi, where the summit is abundant in gold and jade, and the base is filled with grindstones. The Yuyu River originates here, flowing west into the Yi River.
Three hundred li west is Mount Hao, which is rich in gold and jade but barren of vegetation.
Three hundred li west is Mount Xian, where the summit is abundant in gold and jade but devoid of vegetation. The Xian River originates here, flowing north into the Yi River, and the river is home to Ming snakes, which resemble ordinary snakes but have four wings and make a sound like chimes. Their appearance signals a great drought.
Three hundred li west is Mount Yang, filled with stones and barren of vegetation. The Yang River originates here, flowing north into the Yi River, and is home to Hua snakes, which resemble humans with the body of a jackal, bird wings, and move like snakes. Their cry sounds like a shout, and their appearance signals great floods.
Two hundred li west is Mount Kunwu, rich in red copper. A beast called Longzhi lives here, resembling a boar with horns. Its cry sounds like wailing, and eating it prevents eye disease.
One hundred twenty li west is Mount Li, where the Li River originates, flowing north into the Yi River. The summit is rich in gold and jade, and the base in blue and yellow realgar. A tree called Mang Grass grows here, resembling a catalpa tree with red flowers. It is used to poison fish.
One hundred fifty li west is Mount Manqu, where the summit is rich in gold and jade, and the base is filled with bamboo arrows. The Yi River originates here, flowing east into the Luo River. A beast called Mafu lives here, resembling a human-faced tiger. Its cry sounds like a baby, and it preys on humans.
In total, from Mount Huizhu to Mount Manqu, there are nine mountains, spanning one thousand six hundred seventy li. The deities of these mountains have human faces and bird bodies. Ritual offerings involve sacrificing a rooster and burying jade, without food offerings.
The third section of the Central Classic begins with Mount Ao’an, where the sunny side is rich in blue-green jade, and the shady side is abundant in red pigment and gold. The deity Xunchi lives here, and beautiful jade often emerges from the land. Looking northward, one can see the forest by the Yellow River, where the trees resemble Qian trees. A beast called Fuzhu lives here, resembling a white deer with four horns. Its appearance signals great floods.
Ten li east is Mount Qingyao, considered the secret capital of the emperor. Looking northward, one can see the winding Yellow River. The area is filled with Jia birds. Looking southward, one can see the Shanzhu region, transformed by Yu the Great. The deity Guishen Wuluo guards this area, resembling a human with leopard spots, a slender waist, white teeth, and ears pierced with gold rings. Its cry sounds like the ringing of jade. This mountain is considered favorable for women. The Zhen River originates here, flowing north into the Yellow River. A bird called Yao lives here, resembling a duck with a blue body, red eyes, and a red tail. Eating it improves fertility. A plant called Xun Grass grows here, resembling a reed with square stems, yellow flowers, and red fruits. Eating it enhances beauty.
Ten li east is Mount Gui, where the summit is abundant in fine dates, and the shady side is rich in blue-green jade. The Zhenghui River originates here, flowing north into the Yellow River. The river is rich in flying fish, resembling red-patterned pigs. Wearing them prevents fear of thunder and protects against military attacks.
Forty li east is Mount Yisu, where the summit is rich in gold and jade, and the base is filled with vines. The Yongyong River originates here, flowing north into the Yellow River and filled with yellow shells.
In total, from Mount Ao’an to Mount Yisu, there are four mountains, spanning seventy li.
Twenty li east lies Mount He, which is barren of vegetation but rich in jade and blue-green stones. This mountain is considered one of the nine capitals of the river. The mountain has five bends, and nine rivers flow from it, merging and flowing northward into the Yellow River. The rivers are abundant in blue jade. The divine being Tai Feng, who oversees this mountain, has the appearance of a human with a tiger's tail and resides on the sunny side of Mount Xu. This deity glows when it moves in and out of the mountain and can influence the natural elements of heaven and earth.
In total, from Mount Ao’an to Mount He, there are five mountains spanning four hundred forty li. The ritual offerings for Tai Feng, Xun Chi, and Wu Luo involve sacrificing a ram and burying jade. For two other deities, a rooster is sacrificed and buried, with offerings of millet.
The fourth section of the Central Classic begins with Mount Luti, where the summit is abundant in jade and the base is filled with gold. The Gan River flows from the base and travels north into the Luo River. The river is rich in Ling stones.
Fifty li west is Mount Fuzhu, rich in grindstones. A beast called Deer Yan lives here, resembling a raccoon with human eyes. The Guo River flows from here, heading north into the Luo River and rich in grindstones.
One hundred twenty li west is Mount Li, where the sunny side is rich in jade and the shady side is filled with marshes. A beast called Xiqu lives here, resembling a cow with a pale blue body. Its cry sounds like that of a baby, and it preys on humans.
Two hundred li west is Mount Jiwei, abundant in lacquer trees and grindstones. The summit is rich in jade, and the base is filled with copper. The Taodiao River flows north into the Luo River and is home to Yang sheep. A tree called Ba, which resembles a catalpa and bears pod-like fruits, grows here. The fruit can be used to poison fish.
Two hundred li west is Mount Baiyan, rich in gold, jade, and blue-yellow realgar.
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