The majestic Kunlun Mountains are the cultural roots of Chinese civilization that continue to thrive. Kunlun is a great concept in Chinese culture. The vast, majestic, and continuous geographical scale of the Kunlun Mountains is actually the scale of Chinese civilization.
——Wu Xinhua, researcher at the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

To talk about immortals with human nature, to determine the world with Kunlun, and to see the initial appearance of the world in Chinese imagination.
—— Wuershan, director of the "Creation of the Gods" trilogy

★This book vividly reconstructs the mystical aura of the Kunlun Mountains, offering a comprehensive exploration of Kunlun myths through rich visuals and engaging narratives.
★Endorsed by Wu Xinhua, a researcher at the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Wuershan, director of the "Creation of the Gods" trilogy. Their combined recommendations highlight the book's depth and appeal.
★Based on extensive archaeological and literary research, this work brings the ancient mythological cosmos to life with unparalleled detail and accuracy.
★The book skillfully transforms ancient texts and scholarly works into captivating stories, presented in an easy-to-understand and visually stunning format. Perfect for both mythology enthusiasts and general readers!

Kunlun, the cultural and mythological origin that countless Chinese myths revolve around, is an indispensable cornerstone of ancient Chinese lore. In classical Chinese texts, it is depicted as the celestial axis that anchors the universe and the divine capital of the heavenly emperor within the fantastical realms of mountains and seas.
In historical legends, it is revered as the ancestor of all mountains and the source of all waters. Born from chaos, it holds the secrets of heaven, earth, sun, and moon. It is said that the Yellow Emperor built an altar here to worship the gods, while the Queen Mother of the West hosted grand feasts at the Jade Pool, singing and expressing emotions.
Many of the myths we are familiar with—such as Hou Yi seeking the elixir of immortality, Kuafu chasing the sun, King Mu's journey to the west, and the Mystic Maiden bestowing divine talismans—are all intricately tied to Kunlun. From the pre-Qin classic Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas) to
Huainanzi, Shen Yi Jing (Classic of Divine Wonders), and Taiping Guangji (Extensive Records of the Taiping Era), Kunlun has been documented for over two millennia, with countless stories woven around it, yet its mystique remains undiminished.
As a sacred realm revered by both gods and mortals in Chinese mythology, what secrets does Kunlun hold? Is it a remote land of snow and storms, a bountiful kingdom filled with rare treasures, a divine abode of immortality and eternity, or a metaphorical embodiment of an ancient civilization's hidden codes?

Andis Morning Breeze (Author)
Real name: An Xiaoliang
A popular science writer, critic, and member of the China Science Writers Association and the Hebei Writers Association. He is also a prominent figure in the reading community on Sina Weibo, known for his engaging and entertaining writing style that introduces scientific and cultural knowledge to the public. His major works include "I Know What You're Thinking: Gossip Psychology," "An Unorthodox Natural History," and "The Natural History Hidden in Ancient Poetry."

Ye Zhao (Author)
Real name: Lan Xinyi
A native of Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, and a graduate with a master's degree in archaeology from Minzu University of China. She is passionate about Chinese mythology and folklore, with a particular interest in exploring the connections between myths and ancient artifacts. She has been deeply involved in the creation of books such as "Mythical Beasts: Illustrated Guide to the Creatures of the Classic of Mountains and Seas," "Great Plants: Flora of the South," and "Demonic Aura: Illustrated Guide to the Monsters of Journey to the West."

Lv Yang (illustrator)
Born in Shandong in 1995, graduated from the School of Art and Design at Beijing Institute of Technology, and is a well-known illustrator of the new generation. Lv Yang has contributed artwork to numerous publications, including "Flora of the Mountains and Seas," "Mythical Beasts: Illustrated Guide to the Creatures of the Classic of Mountains and Seas," and "Demonic Aura: Illustrated Guide to the Monsters of Journey to the West."

● Preface
Chapter 1: What is Kunlun?
Why Kunlun?
Natural Kunlun
Kunlun as a Divine Realm
Kunlun as the Celestial Pillar
Kunlun in Mythology

Chapter 2: The Mystical and Perilous Kunlun Mountain
From Afar: Three Layers of Peaks
The Threefold Kunlun Mountain
Crossing: Three Barriers
Quicksand
The Mountain of Flaming Fire
The Abyss of Weak Water
Flying Over: The Source of All Waters
The Origin of the River
The Origin of the River (Revisited)
The Southward Flow of Waters
The Abyss of Ultimate Depth
Direction: The Peach Forest at Sunset
Climbing: Three Levels of Stairs
The Rocks of Eight Corners
The Nine Gates to Heaven
The Jade Pool of Nine Wells

Chapter 3: The Heavenly Palaces of Kunlun
Gathering of Immortals: Five Cities and Twelve Towers
Honoring the Gods: Five Golden Platforms
The Platform of Many Emperors
The Divine Danzhu
The Platform of Gonggong
The Mound of Xuanyuan
The Palace of the Yellow Emperor
Connecting to Heaven: The Celestial Pillar of Kunlun
The Nine-Layered Fortress
The Bronze Pillar to Heaven
The Eight Mysterious Underworlds
Chapter 4: Cosmic Speculations – The Mountain of Sun and Moon
Shun Aligning the Seven Policies
The Universe of Kunlun
Speculations on the World
Kunlun’s Own Universe
The Chronological Map of Mountains and Seas

Chapter 5: Harmony of Gods and Humans – The Mountain of Faith
Reincarnation and Eternity: The Queen Mother of the West System
The Queen Mother of the West
The Guardian of Kunlun: Luwu
The Messenger of the Heavenly Emperor: Yingzhao
The Virtuous Changcheng
The Immortal Rain Master: Chisongzi
The Red Star in the Long Night: Zhuyin
Zhuyin
Sun Worship: The Dijiang System
Dijiang
The Red Glow of Sunset
The Shadow of the High Altar: Yuanshen Kuishi
The Solar Hero: Houyi
The Terrifying Memory of Floods: The Gonggong System
Gonggong
Gonggong’s Minister: Xiangliu
The Five Emperors and the Five Elements: The Yellow Emperor System
The Five Emperors of Kunlun
The Orderly Yellow Emperor
Between Gods and Humans: Shamans
The Heavenly Shamans: The Ten Shamans of Lingshan
The Reflection of Heaven: The Land of Shaman Xian
Rituals of Worship

Chapter 6: Mythical Beasts and Strange Birds – Ancient Totems
Bird Emblems
The Three Green Birds
The Owl
The Winged Pair
The Quail Bird
Shengyu
Bifang
Xiyou
Qiyu
The Phoenix and the Luan Bird
Qinyuan, Giant Bees, and Red Moths
Juniao and the Giant Owl
Beast Patterns
The Jiao, Heavenly Dog, and Red Dog
Pingpeng
Tulu and Aoni
Yayu
Jufu
Zheng
Huan
Ferocious Beasts
The Wenyao Fish
The Divine Turtle
The Giant Serpent
Chapter 7: Immortal Flowers and Exotic Plants – The Divine Garden of Kunlun
The Wooden Grain
The Jade Tree
The Tree of Immortality
The Sacred Tree Mandui
The Fuchang Tree
The Shatang Tree
The Pin Grass
The Ruomu Tree
The Jia Fruit
The Jade Melon
The Drunken Grass

Chapter 8: King Mu’s Journey West – The Mountain of Jade
Jade in Kunlun
Divine Jade Connecting to Heaven
The Treasured Place of Jade
Using Jade to Serve the Gods
The Worship of Jade
The Resting Place of Souls

Conclusion
References