The Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Geography, Volume Twelve

Illustration of Guilin
A city in Guangxi world-famous for its dramatic karst landscape and the Li River. Its name literally means "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus."

Illustration of the Grotto of the True Immortal
original: "真仙巖" (Zhenxian Yan). A significant cave site located in Guilin, Guangxi, known for its historical inscriptions and religious importance.

Illustration of Mount Duqiao
A sacred mountain in Guangxi, celebrated in Taoism for its "Eight Peaks" and unique cave formations.

Illustration of Mount Goulou
A Taoist sacred site in Guangxi. It is traditionally ranked as the twenty-second "Grotto-Heaven" and is historically associated with the alchemist and philosopher Ge Hong.

Illustration of Mount Baishi
Literally "White Rock Mountain," a scenic and religious site in Guangxi often associated with Taoist retreats.

Illustration of Kunming Pool
A famous artificial lake originally created during the Han Dynasty (near modern-day Xi'an) to train the navy for southern campaigns. Its inclusion here reflects its historical status as a major geographic landmark.

Illustration of Mount Diancang
Better known today as the Cangshan Mountains in Dali, Yunnan province, famous for their high peaks overlooking Erhai Lake.

Illustration of Mount Jizu
Literally "Chicken Foot Mountain" in Yunnan. It is a major pilgrimage site for both Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism, traditionally believed to be the place where the Buddha's disciple Mahakasyapa awaits the arrival of the future Buddha, Maitreya.

Illustration of Mount Jiuding
Literally "Nine Tripods Mountain," a name shared by several peaks in China, often signifying spiritual or imperial authority.

Illustration of Mount Fangzhang
In Chinese mythology, Fangzhang is one of the three divine mountains in the sea where immortals dwell. The name was also applied to specific terrestrial mountains or monastic abodes.

Illustration of Snow Mountain
Likely referring to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) in Yunnan, which remains snow-capped year-round.

Illustration of Dragon-Rearing Pit
A scenic site associated with local legends of dragons, typical of the mystical names given to the unique limestone topography of southwest China.

Illustration of Sanyi Stream
Literally the "Three-One Stream," likely a local scenic water feature located in the southern frontier regions.