Illustration of Mount Tiantai

original: "Tiantai Shan Tu." Mount Tiantai is a famous mountain in Zhejiang province. In Chinese culture, it is regarded as a dual sacred site: the source of the Tiantai school of Buddhism and the site of the Taoist Southern Lineage's "Grotto-Heavens."

Labels on the left page: Peach Blossom Spring Cave original: "Taoyuan Dong." A reference to the legendary "Peach Blossom Spring," a hidden utopia described by the poet Tao Yuanming. In the Tiantai context, it is associated with the legend of Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao, who encountered immortals while gathering herbs. Hidden Stream Hermitage original: "Youxi Jingishe." A vihara or secluded study hall. This site is historically associated with the monk Chuandeng (1554–1628), who revitalized Tiantai Buddhist teachings here during the Ming dynasty. Stalagmite Peak original: "Shisun Feng." Named for its tall, slender rock formations that resemble emerging bamboo shoots or stalagmites. Fishing Boat on Snail Stream original: "Luoxi Diaoting." Snail Stream is named for its winding, spiral-like path through the valley. Fishing Ledge original: "Diaoji." A rock platform used for angling, often mentioned in literati poetry as a place of solitary contemplation. Labels on the right page: Clouds of Huading original: "Huading Yun." Huading (Flower Top) is the highest peak of the Tiantai range. It is famous for its "Cloud Sea" and is the location where the monk Zhiyi, founder of the Tiantai school, practiced meditation. Glow of Chicheng original: "Chicheng Xia." Mount Chicheng is known for its reddish rock strata. The "Sunset Glow of Chicheng" is considered one of the iconic views of the region. Guoqing Temple original: "Guoqing." Established in 598 CE during the Sui Dynasty, it remains one of the most important Buddhist temples in China. Tongbai Palace original: "Tongbai." A major Taoist monastery. During the Tang dynasty, it was the center of the Shangqing school of Taoism. Wannian Temple original: "Wannian." Literally "Ten Thousand Years" Temple, another historic Buddhist site within the mountain complex. Heavenly Pillar Peak original: "Tianzhu Feng." A dramatic, vertical peak that appears to support the sky. Stone Bridge original: "Shiqiao." A reference to the natural bridge of rock that spans the valley near the Stone Beam Waterfall. Sunset Glow at Cold Rock original: "Hanyan Xizhao." Cold Rock (Hanyan) was the dwelling place of the legendary Tang dynasty hermit-poet Hanshan (Cold Mountain). Stone Beam Waterfall original: "Shiliang Feipu." One of the most famous waterfalls in China, where water plunges beneath a natural stone bridge. Jade Terrace original: "Qiongtai." A Taoist site often paired with "Shuangque" (Double Watchtowers), believed to be a residence of the immortals. Double Watchtowers original: "Shuangque." Two towering rock formations that resemble the gates or watchtowers of a palace. Snail Stream original: "Luoxi." A winding waterway that snakes through the lower elevations of the mountain.

(Illustration: A fine woodblock landscape map spanning the two-page spread, depicting the rugged peaks, monasteries, and winding streams of Mount Tiantai. The style uses traditional "mountain and water" (shanshui) conventions to organize the sacred geography, emphasizing the height of Huading Peak and the dramatic drop of the Stone Beam Waterfall.)