The Book of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing)

The Book of Mountains and Seas, known as Shan Hai Jing, is an ancient Chinese text dating back to the 4th century BCE. It serves as a geographical and mythological compendium, describing various regions, mountains, rivers, and the creatures and deities inhabiting them. The work blends folklore, cultural history, and cosmology, offering insights into early Chinese beliefs and the relationship between nature and mythology. Its vivid imagery and imaginative narratives have influenced Chinese literature and art, making it a significant historical document that reflects the worldview of ancient China.