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Daoist Grotto Heavens and Blessed Lands 1
Searching for qin themes at major and minor centers (see chart)
洞天福地
Dong Tian Fu Di
  Riding off from a Grotto Heaven? 2        
Quite a few Daoist melodies are connected to lands that are thought or felt to have special qualities. As the list of these has grown it has become important to find out what tied these places together. The Appendix below outlining a system of 10 “major grotto heavens” (大洞天 da dongtian), 16 "middle grotto heavens" (中洞天 zhong dongtian), 20 “minor grotto heavens” (小洞天 xiao dongtian) and 72 "blessed lands" (福地 fudi), as well as "additional famous mountains" (名山 ming shan) as noted by Du Guangting, gives some insight into this.3

Lists such as these go back at least as far as the Tang dynasty and the work of Sima Chengzheng (647-735; see Wiki Zuowanglun) and Du Guangting (850 -933; Wiki).

The Wikipedia entry for "grotto-heavens" mentions ten greater grotto-heavens and thirty-six lesser grotto-heavens but only lists the former. It must be mentioned, also, that there is a another wide-spread and one might say also "official" listing that includes the 10 majors among the 36 minors, and then some of these minors may be included in lists of 72 Blessed Lands. The latter in particular have apparently changed quite a bit over the years.

The listing by Sima Chengzheng seems to have been largely followed by Du Guangting, with the list of 36 grotto-heavens that included 10 greater and 26 lesser heavens coming later. However, the details of all this is not clear: thus there are differences between and Sima and Du, but even articles such as the above-mentioned feasibity study write as though Sima and Du were working together though they came from opposite ends of the Tang dynasty.

Only two melodies from the Ming dynasty have "dong tian" as part of their title, He Wu Dongtian and Dongtian Chun Xiao. Other melodies that could be connected to them include Yao Tian Sheng He (it claims that Wangzi Qiao ascended on a crane from a grotto heaven, as testified by Empress Wu Zetian in this stele at Mount Goushi.4

Eventually the information here will include many places that have been specifically associated with qin players or events. Such a list might include, for example, using the numbers above,

The above is a tentative beginning. Here it is important to note that these places were selected because of their natural geography, not because there were people living there: that came later. One can only speculate as to what Du Guanting or Sima Chengzheng might think if they saw the popular sites today.

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Footnotes (Shorthand references are explained on a separate page)

1. Daoist Grotto Heavens and Blessed Lands
For background see Wikipedia; and see also this 2018 feasibility study (including a blurred map: compare this map of uncertain origin which is legible but gives differing names). 17777.9 洞天 gives no references prior to the Song dynasty, but Daoist scholars trace the term much earlier.
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2. Image
This image goes with the melody Jade Sheng Heaveny Crane and concerns Wangzi Qiao flying away on a crane from Goushi Shan, which is on some lists of grotto heavens but here gets only honorable mention.
(Return)

3.
The Appendix was put together in 2025 with major assistance from ChatGPT
(Return)

4. Goushi Mountain
Du Guangting mentions Goushi Mountain and its importance but it was not included among the "72 fudi" (72 Blessed Lands) so it is added at the end.
(Return)

Appendix
Daoist Grotto Heavens and Blessed Lands (洞天福地 Dong Tian Fu Di)
An outline of major and minor centers

# & name pinyin Modern province (if known) Approx. location in province Associated persons / organizations / notes
 
10 Great Grotto Heavens
1. 王屋山洞 Wangwu Shan Dong 河南 / 山西 Henan / Shanxi 在今河南省濟源市與山西省陽城縣、垣曲縣交界一帶王屋山地區;
On the border of modern Jiyuan (Henan), Yangcheng and Yuanqu (Shanxi)
號「小有清虛天」,在洛陽河陽兩界、王屋縣北六十里,屬西城王君治之;後為全真派重要聖地。
Known as “Xiaoyou Qingxu Heaven”; located between Luoyang’s Heyang districts, about 60 li from old Wangwu County, ruled by Lord Wang of Xicheng; later a major Quanzhen sacred site.
2. 委羽山洞 Weiyu Shan Dong 浙江 Zhejiang 在浙江省台州市黃巖區境內的委羽山一帶;
Weiyu Shan in today’s Huangyan District, Taizhou
號「大有空明天」,在台州黃巖縣委羽山,青童君治之;浙東臨海名山,上清道場之一。
Called “Dayou Kongming Heaven”; at Weiyu Mountain in Huangyan, Taizhou, governed by the Green Lad (Qingtong Jun); an important Shangqing site in eastern Zhejiang.
3. 西城山洞 Xicheng Shan Dong 地望未詳 / Uncertain 傳說在今陝西關中或四川蜀州一帶,具體山體已難確指;
Trad. linked either to Zhongnan Taiyi Shan (Shaanxi) or to a peak near Shuzhou (Sichuan)
周回三千里,號「太玄總真天」。陶弘景《登真隱訣》疑為終南太一山,杜光庭則謂在蜀州,屬上宰王君治之。
Said to extend 3,000 li; called “Taixuan Zongzhen Heaven.” Tao Hongjing suspected it was Zhongnan’s Taiyi Mountain, while Du Guangting thought it lay near Shuzhou; ruled by the “Chief Steward” Lord Wang.
4. 西玄山洞 Xixuan Shan Dong 陝西 Shaanxi (tentative) 杜光庭謂在古金州境內,大致今陝西省安康/漢濱一帶;
Du places it in ancient Jinzhou, roughly modern Ankang / Hanbin area
周回三千里,號「三玄極真洞天」,恐非人跡所及,莫知其所在。杜光庭以為在金州境內。
Circling 3,000 li, named “Three-Mysteries Utter-Perfection Grotto-Heaven.” Said to be beyond human reach and of unknown exact location; Du Guangting tentatively locates it in Jin Prefecture (around modern Ankang).
5. 青城山洞 Qingcheng Shan Dong 四川 Sichuan 在四川省成都市都江堰市西南方的青城山;
Qingcheng Shan near Dujiangyan, northwest of Chengdu
周回二千里,名曰「寶仙九室之洞天」,在蜀州青城縣,屬青城丈人治之;道教名山,與張道陵、天師道傳統關係極深。
Extending 2,000 li, called “Treasure-Immortals Nine-Chambers Grotto-Heaven,” at Qingcheng County in Shuzhou; ruled by the “Old Man of Qingcheng.” One of Daoism’s most famous mountains, tied to Zhang Daoling and the Celestial Masters.
6. 赤城山洞 Chicheng Shan Dong 浙江 Zhejiang 在浙江省台州市天台縣赤城山一帶;
Chicheng Shan in Tiantai County
周回三百里,名曰「上清玉平之洞天」,在台州唐興縣赤城山,屬玄洲仙伯治之;早期上清經傳與天台道教中心之一。
Said to be 300 li around, named “Shangqing Yuping Grotto-Heaven,” at Chicheng Mountain in Tangxing (Tiantai); ruled by the Immortal Earl of Xuanzhou. Early center of Shangqing scripture and Tiantai Daoism.
7. 羅浮山洞 Luofu Shan Dong 廣東 Guangdong 在廣東省廣州市增城與惠州市博羅縣之間的羅浮山地區;
Between modern Zengcheng (Guangzhou) and Boluo (Huizhou)
周回五百里,名曰「朱明曜真之洞天」,在循州博羅縣羅浮山,屬青精先生治之;南嶺名山,上清、靈寶諸派道場。
About 500 li around, called “Vermilion Radiance True-Illumination Grotto-Heaven,” at Luofu Mountain between Zengcheng and Boluo; ruled by Master Qingjing. A major southern Daoist mountain for Shangqing and Lingbao lineages.
8. 句曲山洞(茅山) Juqu Shan Dong (Maoshan) 江蘇 Jiangsu 在江蘇省鎮江市句容市南部的茅山地區;
Maoshan in Jurong County, near Zhenjiang
周回一百五十里,名曰「金壇華陽之洞天」,在潤州句容縣茅山,屬紫陽真人治之;上清道壇本山,茅山宗祖庭。
About 150 li in circumference, called “Jintan Huayang Grotto-Heaven,” at Maoshan in Jurong (Runzhou); ruled by the Perfected Ziyang. Principal mountain of the Shangqing Maoshan tradition.
9. 林屋山洞 Linwu Shan Dong 江蘇 Jiangsu 古說在洞庭湖口,杜光庭以為在今江蘇省蘇州市境內太湖之濱林屋山一帶;
Traditionally by the mouth of Lake Tai / Dongting; Du places it near Wuxian (Suzhou)
周回四百里,號「左神幽虛之洞天」,古云在洞庭湖口,杜光庭則以為在吳縣林屋山;相傳為海上仙山延伸。
About 400 li around, styled “Left-Spirit Hidden-Void Grotto-Heaven.” Older lore places it at the mouth of Dongting Lake, while Du Guangting identifies it with Linwu Mountain near Wuxian (Suzhou), an extension of the mythic sea-mountains.
10. 括蒼山洞 Kuocang Shan Dong 浙江 Zhejiang 在浙江省台州市仙居縣與臨海市之間的括蒼山地區;
Between Xianju and Linhai, in modern Taizhou region
周回三百里,號「成德隱玄之天」,在台州括蒼山,屬北海公涓子治之;浙東高嶺,多隱逸與煉丹傳說。
Circling 300 li, named “Chengde Hidden-Mystery Heaven,” at Kuocang Mountain between Xianju and Linhai; ruled by Lord Juanzi of the North Sea. High ridge in eastern Zhejiang, rich in hermit and alchemical lore.
 
16 Middle Grotto Heavens
11. 霍童山(霍林洞天) Huotong Shan – Huolin Dongtian 福建 Fujian 在古長溪縣境內(今福建省寧德市一帶,長溪/霍童附近);
Within the bounds of old Changxi County (roughly modern Ningde area around Changxi / Huotong in Fujian).
仙人王緯玄治之;閩東道教名山,霍童洞多石室泉井。
Immortal Wang Weixuan is said to rule here; important Daoist mountain in eastern Fujian, famed for Huotong Cave and springs.
12. 太山(蓬玄洞天) Tai Shan – Pengxuan Dongtian 山東 Shandong 在古兗州乾封縣境內(今山東省泰安市泰山一帶);
In old Qianfeng County of Yanzhou (approximately the Mount Tai region of modern Tai’an, Shandong).
東嶽泰山,傳為蓬玄洞天,上古祭天聖地。
Mount Tai, the Eastern Peak (Dongyue); identified as Pengxuan Grotto-Heaven and ancient imperial sacrifice site.
13. 衡山(朱陵洞天) Heng Shan – Zhuling Dongtian 湖南 Hunan 在古衡州衡山縣(今湖南省衡陽市南岳衡山一帶);
In old Hengshan County of Hengzhou (today’s Nanyue Hengshan area near Hengyang, Hunan).
南嶽衡山,朱陵洞天;道教、佛教並盛的南嶽勝地。
Southern Peak Hengshan; Zhuling Grotto-Heaven, a major Daoist–Buddhist sacred mountain.
14. 華山(總真洞天) Hua Shan – Zongzhen Dongtian 陝西 Shaanxi 在古華陰縣境內(今陝西省華陰市西嶽華山);
In old Huayin County (now the Western Peak Huashan in Huayin City, Shaanxi).
西嶽華山,總真洞天;多與金天王、華山真人等信仰相連。
Western Peak Huashan; “Zongzhen” Grotto-Heaven, associated with various Huashan immortals.
15. 常山(總玄洞天) Chang Shan (Bei Heng) – Zongxuan Dongtian 山西 Shanxi 在北嶽恒山一帶(今山西省渾源縣及雁北地區);
In the Northern Peak Hengshan region (modern Hunyuan and neighboring Yanbei area in Shanxi).
北嶽恒山古作常山,總玄洞天;北嶽真武與諸真所居之地。
Northern Peak Hengshan (here written Changshan); “Zongxuan” Grotto-Heaven, sacred to northern peak deities.
16. 嵩山(司真洞天) Song Shan – Sizhen Dongtian 河南 Henan 在中嶽嵩山地區(今河南省鄭州登封市附近);
In the Central Peak Songshan region (around today’s Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, Henan).
中嶽嵩山,司真洞天;唐代以前即為重要道教名山,與少林、嵩陽書院並稱。
Central Peak Songshan; “Sizhen” Grotto-Heaven, a key Daoist center alongside Shaolin and Confucian institutions.
17. 峨嵋山(虛陵太妙洞天) Emei Shan – Xuling Taimiao Dongtian 四川 Sichuan 在古嘉州峨嵋縣境內(今四川省樂山市峨眉山一帶);
In old Emei County of Jiazhou (today’s Emei Shan area near Leshan, Sichuan).
峨嵋山虛陵太妙洞天,道佛並傳;真人唐覽治之。
Mount Emei, “Xuling Taimiao” Grotto-Heaven; sacred to both Daoism and Buddhism, ruled by Zhenren Tang Lan in Du’s text.
18. 廬山(洞虛詠真洞天) Lu Shan – Dongxu Yongzhen Dongtian 江西 Jiangxi 在古江州潯陽縣境內(今江西省九江市廬山地區);
In old Xunyang County of Jiangzhou (the Mount Lu area near modern Jiujiang, Jiangxi).
洞虛詠真洞天,九天使者所主;亦為東晉以來隱士、佛寺雲集之地。
Mount Lu; “Dongxu Yongzhen” Grotto-Heaven, governed by a “Nine Heavens Messenger,” later famed for recluses and Buddhist monasteries.
19. 四明山(丹山赤水洞天) Siming Shan – Danshan Chishui Dongtian 浙江 Zhejiang 在古越州餘姚縣境內(今浙江省寧波餘姚、奉化一帶);
In old Yuyao County of Yuezhou (roughly today’s Yuyao / Fenghua region near Ningbo, Zhejiang).
丹山赤水洞天,劉樊得道之所;浙東名山。
Siming Mountains; “Red Mountain, Scarlet Waters” Grotto-Heaven, where Liu Fan is said to have attained the Dao.
20. 會稽山(極玄陽明洞天) Kuaiji Mountain – Jixuan Yangming Dongtian 浙江 Zhejiang 在古越州會稽縣境內(今浙江省紹興市會稽山一帶);
In old Kuaiji County of Yuezhou (the Kuaiji Mountain area near modern Shaoxing, Zhejiang).
極玄陽明洞天,夏禹探書之處;後世亦與陽明洞等傳說相關。
Kuaiji Mountain; “Jixuan Yangming” Grotto-Heaven, famed as where Yu the Great sought charts/books; later linked to the Yangming Cave tradition. (See Yu Hui Tushan.)
21. 方白山(德玄洞天) Fangbai Shan – Dexuan Dongtian 陝西 Shaanxi 在京兆盩厔縣南山中(今陝西省西安以南終南山西段一帶);
In the southern mountains of old Zhouzhi County, Jingzhao (the western Zhongnan range south of Xi’an, Shaanxi).
德玄洞天,太上所現壇;終南道教勝地系統之一。
Fangbai Mountain in the Zhongnan range; “Dexuan” Grotto-Heaven, where Taishang is said to have manifested an altar.
22. 西山(天寶極玄洞天) Xi Shan – Tianbao Jixuan Dongtian 江西 Jiangxi 在古洪州南昌縣城西之西山(今江西省南昌市西郊丘陵);
At “Western Mountain” west of old Nanchang County in Hongzhou (today’s western hills outside Nanchang, Jiangxi).
天寶極玄洞天,洪崖所居;洪崖先生為著名神仙形象。
“Western Mountain” near Nanchang; “Tianbao Jixuan” Grotto-Heaven, dwelling of the immortal Hongya.
23. 大圍山(好生上元洞天) Dawei Shan – Haosheng Shangyuan Dongtian 湖南 Hunan 在古潭州醴陵縣境內(今湖南省長沙東南、大圍山一帶);
In old Liling County of Tanzhou (roughly today’s Dawei Shan area southeast of Changsha, Hunan).
好生上元洞天,傳天師所居石室仙壇;與張天師系統相連。
Dawei Mountain; “Haosheng Shangyuan” Grotto-Heaven, where the Celestial Master is said to have dwelt in a rock chamber altar.
24. 潛山天柱(司玄洞天) Qianshan / Tianzhu – Siguan (Siguan/ Siguan) Dongtian 安徽 Anhui 在古舒州潛山、桐城一帶(今安徽省安慶、潛山天柱山附近);
In the region of old Shuzhou’s Qianshan / Tongcheng (around today’s Tianzhu Shan near Anqing and Qianshan, Anhui).
天柱司玄洞天,九天司命主之;後為名山「天柱山」上清名觀所在。
Tianzhu (“Heavenly Pillar”) Mountain in modern Qianshan area; “Siguan/Si-xuan” Grotto-Heaven under a Nine-Heavens Destiny Officer, later a major Daoist site.
25. 武夷山(昇真化玄洞天) Wuyi Shan – Shengzhen Huaxuan Dongtian 福建 Fujian 在古建州建陽縣境內(今福建省南平市建陽區與武夷山一帶);
In old Jianyang County of Jianzhou (today’s Jianyang district and Wuyi Shan area in Nanping, Fujian).
昇真化玄洞天,毛竹武夷君治之;閩北名山、理學與茶文化重鎮。
Mount Wuyi; “Ascending the True, Transforming the Mysterious” Grotto-Heaven ruled by the Wuyi Lord; later center of Neo-Confucianism and tea culture.
26. 鬼谷山(貴玄思真洞天) Guigu Shan – Guixuan Sizhen Dongtian 江西 Jiangxi 在古信州貴溪縣境內(今江西省上饒市貴溪、龍虎山附近);
In old Guixi County of Xinzhou (around modern Guixi and nearby Longhu Shan, Jiangxi).
貴玄思真洞天,與鬼谷子、兵家道術傳承相關。
Guigu (“Ghost Valley”) Mountain; “Guixuan Sizhen” Grotto-Heaven, tied to the legendary strategist–immortal Guiguzi and esoteric arts.
 
20 Lesser Grotto Heavens
27. 華蓋山(容城太玉洞天) Huagai Shan – Rongcheng Taiyu Dongtian 浙江 Zhejiang 在古温州永嘉縣境內(今浙江省溫州永嘉北部山區);
Within old Yongjia County of Wenzhou (the northern mountain area of modern Yongjia, Zhejiang).
容城太玉洞天,浙南名山;與永嘉道教、山水文人遊歷相關。
Huagai Mountain near Yongjia; “Rongcheng Taiyu” Grotto-Heaven, a southern Zhejiang Daoist and literary scenic site.
28. 玉笥山(太秀法樂洞天) Yusi Shan – Taixiu Fale Dongtian 江西 Jiangxi 在古吉州新淦縣境內(今江西省吉安市新干縣玉笥山);
In old Xingan County of Jizhou (today’s Yusi Shan area in Xingan, Ji’an, Jiangxi).
太秀法樂洞天,後為江右道教名山;與地肺山等福地體系相連。
Yusi (“Jade Casket”) Mountain; “Taixiu Fale” Grotto-Heaven, later a key Jiangxi Daoist mountain.
29. 蓋竹山(長耀寶光洞天) Gaizhu Shan – Changyao Baoguang Dongtian 浙江 Zhejiang 在古台州黃巖縣境內(今台州市黃巖與仙居之間山區);
In old Huangyan County of Taizhou (mountain region between modern Huangyan and Xianju, Zhejiang).
長耀寶光洞天,葛仙公所居;與閤皂山「葛仙翁」信仰相呼應。
Gaizhu Mountain in Taizhou; “Changyao Baoguang” Grotto-Heaven, associated with the immortal Ge Xiangong.
30. 都嶠山(太上寶玄洞天) Duqiao Shan – Taishang Baoxuan Dongtian 廣西 Guangxi 在古容州都嶠山(今廣西容縣一帶);
At Duqiao Shan in old Rongzhou (around modern Rongxian, Guangxi).
太上寶玄洞天,嶺南名山;後世視為南方關鍵洞天之一。
Duqiao Mountain in modern Rongxian, Guangxi; “Taishang Baoxuan” Grotto-Heaven, major Lingnan Daoist site.
31. 白石山(秀樂長真洞天) Baishi Shan – Xiule Changzhen Dongtian (今多以廣西或安徽識別) 原記「在容州北原」,後有説在今廣西鬱林州一帶,或認為在安徽和州含山縣附近;
Originally described as “in Rongzhou, north plateau,” later identified either near Yulin in Guangxi or near Hanshan in Hezhou (Anhui).
秀樂長真洞天,白真人治之;山川定位多說,反映傳承分歧。
“Xiule Changzhen” Grotto-Heaven ruled by Bai Zhenren; later sources disagree about its exact location.
32. 句漏山(玉闕寶圭洞天) Julu / Goulou Shan – Yuque Baogui Dongtian 廣西 Guangxi 在古容州句漏山(今廣西北流、容縣一帶,鬱江支流山區);
At Julu (Goulou) Shan in old Rongzhou (today’s Beiliu / Rongxian region, in the Yuj iang tributary mountains).
玉闕寶圭洞天,有石室丹井;後與葛洪煉丹傳說相連。
Julu (often read Goulou) Mountain in modern Beiliu/Rongxian region; “Jade Palace Precious-Jade” Grotto-Heaven, with a stone chamber and cinnabar well, later linked to alchemical lore.
33. 九疑山(湘真太虛洞天) Jiuyi Shan – Xiangzhen Taixu Dongtian 湖南 Hunan 在古道州延唐縣境內(今湖南省永州寧遠、零陵一帶九嶷山);
In old Yantang County of Daozhou (the Jiuyi Shan region around modern Ningyuan and Lingling, Hunan).
湘真太虛洞天,多與舜陵、南嶽道教體系相互呼應。
Jiuyi Mountains in southern Hunan; “Xiangzhen Taixu” Grotto-Heaven, resonating with Shun’s mausoleum cult and southern Daoist networks.
34. 洞陽山(洞陽隱觀洞天) Dongyang Shan – Dongyang Yinguan Dongtian 湖南 Hunan 在古潭州長沙縣境內(今湖南省長沙附近洞陽、岳麓山支脈);
In old Changsha County of Tanzhou (around present Dongyang / Yuelu foothills near Changsha, Hunan).
洞陽隱觀洞天,劉真人治之;湖南地方道教中心之一。
Dongyang Mountain near Changsha; “Hidden Cloister” Grotto-Heaven ruled by Liu Zhenren, a local Daoist center.
35. 幕阜山(玄真太元洞天) Mufu Shan – Xuanzhen Taiyuan Dongtian 湖北 Hubei 在古鄂州唐軍縣西南(大致今湖北通山、通城與江西修水交界處幕阜山);
In southwest Tangjun County of old Ezhou (roughly the Mufu Shan region at the Hubei–Jiangxi border near Tongshan, Tongcheng, and Xiushui).
玄真太元洞天,吳猛上昇處;與雷法、扶乩傳統相關。
Mufu range on the Hubei–Jiangxi border; “Xuanzhen Taiyuan” Grotto-Heaven where Wu Meng is said to have ascended.
36. 大酉山(大酉華妙洞天) Dayou Shan – Dayou Huamiao Dongtian 湖南 Hunan 在古辰州界內(今湘西、懷化一帶酉水上游山區);
Within the territory of old Chenzhou (the upper You River mountain area in today’s western Hunan / Huaihua region).
大酉華妙洞天,辰州西部邊山;與酉水流域蠻洞仙傳說相關。
Dayou Mountain in the upper You River area (western Hunan); “Dayou Huamiao” Grotto-Heaven tied to frontier Youshui legends.
37. 金庭山(金庭崇妙洞天) Jinting Shan – Jinting Chongmiao Dongtian 浙江 Zhejiang 在古越州剡縣境內(今浙江省嵊州一帶沃洲、金庭山);
In old Shan County of Yuezhou (the Wozhou / Jinting Shan area around modern Shengzhou, Zhejiang).
金庭崇妙洞天,褚伯玉、沈休文等高士隱處;與上清經傳承密切。
Jinting Mountain in the Shan region; “Chongmiao” Grotto-Heaven associated with recluses Chu Boyu and Shen Xiuwen, close to Shangqing traditions.
38. 麻姑山(丹霞洞天) Magu Shan – Danxia Dongtian 江西 Jiangxi 在古撫州南城縣境內(今江西省撫州市南城縣麻姑山);
In old Nancheng County of Fuzhou (today’s Magu Shan in Nancheng, Fuzhou, Jiangxi).
丹霞洞天,麻姑上昇處;麻姑仙女與長壽神話中心。
Magu Mountain in Nancheng; “Danxia” Grotto-Heaven, where the immortal Maiden Magu is said to have ascended; major longevity cult site.
39. 仙都山(仙都祈仙洞天) Xiandu Shan – Xiandu Qixian Dongtian 浙江 Zhejiang 在古處州縉雲縣境內(今浙江省麗水縉雲縣仙都景區);
In old Jinyun County of Chuzhou (the Xiandu scenic area in today’s Jinyun, Lishui, Zhejiang).
仙都祈仙洞天,黃帝上昇之所;奇峰孤柱為勝。
Xiandu in Jinyun County; “Praying-to-Immortals” Grotto-Heaven, famed as an ascent site of the Yellow Emperor.
40. 青田山(青田大鶴洞天) Qingtian Shan – Qingtian Dahe Dongtian 浙江 Zhejiang 在古處州青田縣境內(今浙江省麗水市青田縣);
In old Qingtian County of Chuzhou (modern Qingtian County in Lishui, Zhejiang).
青田大鶴洞天,葉天師居之;後以青田石雕聞名。
Qingtian Mountain; “Great Crane” Grotto-Heaven, residence of Master Ye in Du’s text; the area later became known for Qingtian stone carving.
41. 天柱山(大滌玄蓋洞天) Tianzhu Shan – Dati Xuangai Dongtian 浙江 Zhejiang 在古杭州餘杭縣之南(今浙江省杭州市臨安/餘杭交界的大滌、天柱山一帶);
South of old Yuhang County near Hangzhou (around the Dadi / Tianzhu Shan area between today’s Lin’an and Yuhang, Zhejiang).
大滌玄蓋洞天,天柱觀所在;宋以後洞霄宮極盛,上清名觀。
Tianzhu/Dadi area south of Yuhang; “Dati Xuangai” Grotto-Heaven, home of Tianzhu Guan/Dongxiao Gong, a major Shangqing center in the Song.
42. 鐘山(朱湖太生洞天) Zhong Shan – Zhuhu Taisheng Dongtian 江蘇 Jiangsu 在古潤州上元縣境內(今江蘇省南京市鐘山/紫金山一帶);
In old Shangyuan County of Runzhou (the Zhongshan / Purple Mountain region at modern Nanjing, Jiangsu).
朱湖太生洞天,鍾山即今南京紫金山;明清時為南京城東名山。
Zhongshan (today’s Purple Mountain at Nanjing); “Zhuhu Taisheng” Grotto-Heaven, later flanking the eastern side of the Ming–Qing capital Nanjing.
43. 良常山(良常方會洞天) Liangchang Shan – Liangchang Fanghui Dongtian 江蘇 Jiangsu 在茅山東北丘陵間(今江蘇省句容與金壇之間);
In the hills northeast of Maoshan (between today’s Jurong and Jintan in Jiangsu).
良常方會洞天,中茅君所居;屬茅山上清系統外圈洞天。
Liangchang Mountain northeast of Maoshan; “Fanghui” Grotto-Heaven, abode of the Middle Mao Lord, part of the wider Maoshan Shangqing network.
44. 桃源山(白馬玄光洞天) Taoyuan Shan – Baima Xuanguang Dongtian 湖南 Hunan 在古朗州武陵縣境內(今湖南省常德桃源、武陵源一帶);
In old Wuling County of Langzhou (around today’s Taoyuan / Wulingyuan region, Changde, Hunan).
白馬玄光洞天,與武陵桃源仙境、陶淵明《桃花源記》意象互有關聯。
Taoyuan Mountain in the old Wuling region; “White Horse Mysterious Light” Grotto-Heaven, resonating with the “Peach Blossom Spring” utopia of Tao Yuanming.
45. 金華山(金華洞元洞天) Jinhua Shan – Jinhua Dongyuan Dongtian 浙江 Zhejiang 在古婺州金華縣境內(今浙江省金華市南之金華山);
In old Jinhua County of Wuzhou (Jinhua Shan south of modern Jinhua City, Zhejiang).
金華洞元洞天,有皇初平赤松觀;與赤松子、黃初平煉丹升仙傳說相關。
Jinhua Mountain south of Jinhua City; “Dongyuan” Grotto-Heaven, home of the Chisong Temple to Huang Chuping/Chisongzi.
46. 紫蓋山(紫玄洞盟洞天) Zigai Shan – Zixuan Dongmeng Dongtian 廣東 Guangdong 在古韶州曲江縣境內(今廣東省韶關市曲江區紫蓋山一帶);
In old Qujiang County of Shaozhou (the Zigai Shan area near modern Qujiang, Shaoguan, Guangdong).
紫玄洞盟洞天,嶺南要穴;與南宗道教及地方山川祀典有關。
Zigai Mountain in Qujiang, Shaoguan; “Zixuan Dongmeng” Grotto-Heaven, an important Lingnan Daoist node.
 
72 Blessed Lands
1. 地肺山 Difei Shan 江蘇 Jiangsu 在江蘇省鎮江市句容市茅山地區附近;
Maoshan area, Jurong County
昔陶隱居幽棲之處,真人謝允治之 – Former retreat of Tao Hongjing; domain of Perfected Xie Yun.
2. 蓋竹山 Gaizhu Shan 湖南 / 浙江 Hunan / Zhejiang 傳說或在衡州界內近仙都(湖南),或在台州黃巖附近蓋竹山(浙江);
Identified either with Xiandu in Hengzhou (Hunan) or with Gaizhu Shan near Huangyan, Taizhou
真人施存治之 – Governed by Perfected Shi Cun; location traditionally linked to the 19th Dongtian.
3. 仙磕山 Xianke Shan 浙江 Zhejiang 在今浙江省溫州樂清/永嘉一帶,約在百溪市東北十五里;
Near Liangcheng, Wenzhou, c. 15 li from Baixi market
真人張重華治之 – Administered by Perfected Zhang Chonghua; noted as a minor fairy mountain.
4. 東仙源 Dongxian Yuan 浙江 Zhejiang 在浙江省台州市黃巖縣境內;
Huangyan County, Taizhou
屬地仙劉奉林治之 – Domain of the earth immortal Liu Fenglin in the “Eastern Immortal Spring.”
5. 西仙源 Xixian Yuan 浙江 Zhejiang 在黃巖縣西部嶺頭、橋嶺一帶,離縣城約一百二十里;
Qiaoling area, c. 120 li from Huangyan
屬地仙張兆期治之 – Ruled by the earth immortal Zhang Zhaoqi at the “Western Immortal Spring.”
6. 南田山 Nantian Shan 海上 East China Sea 在東海之中,舟行可至;
To the east in the East China Sea
屬劉真人治之 – Overseen by Perfected Liu; reachable by sea-going boats.
7. 玉溜山 Yuliu Shan 海上 East China Sea 傳在蓬萊島或其附近海島之上;
On or near Penglai Island
上多真仙居之,屬地仙許邁治之 – Many true immortals dwell here; governed by the earth immortal Xu Mai.
8. 青嶼山 Qingyu Shan 海上 East China Sea 在東海西部近扶桑之地,有孤嶼突起;
In the western East China Sea, “joining” Fusang
真人劉子光治之 – Domain of Perfected Liu Ziguang on a sea islet.
9. 郁木洞 Yumu Dong 江西 Jiangxi 在江西省永新/永新界內,毗連玉笥山南面峽谷;
South of Yusun (Yusi) Shan, Yongxin area
蕭子雲侍郎隱處,屬地仙赤魯班主之 – Retreat of Xiao Ziyun; under the earth immortal Chi Luban.
10. 丹霞山 Danxia Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在江西省撫州市南城縣,麻姑山之西;
West of Magu Shan, in Nancheng County
蔡經真人得道之處,屬蔡真人治之 – Where Perfected Cai Jing attained the Dao; nights of rain echo with bells and chimes.
11. 君山 Jun Shan 湖南 Hunan 在湖南省洞庭湖(青沙湖)中的君山島上;
Island in Dongting (Qingshao) Lake
屬地仙侯生所治 – Governed by the earth immortal Hou Sheng on Junshan Island.
12. 大若岩 Dayao Yan 浙江 Zhejiang 在浙江省溫州市永嘉縣城東,近楠溪江支流峽谷;
East of Yongjia County, Wenzhou
屬地仙李方回治之 – Domain of the earth immortal Li Fanghui among the cliffs of Dayao.
13. 焦源 Jiaoyuan 福建 Fujian 在福建省建陽縣北部(古建州境內);
North of Jianyang, old Jianzhou
尹真人隱處 – Hermitage of Perfected Yin; a hidden spring valley.
14. 靈墟 Lingxu 浙江 Zhejiang 在台州唐興縣北境(今浙江天台/臨海一帶山區);
North of Tangxing (Taizhou / Tiantai area)
白雲先生隱處 – Retreat of “Master White Cloud,” a reclusive immortal.
15. 沃洲 Wozhou 浙江 Zhejiang 在越州剡縣南方(今浙江嵊州沃洲山一帶);
South of Shan (Shan) County, near modern Shengzhou
屬真人方明所治之 – Administered by Perfected Fang Ming in the fertile mountain basin.
16. 天姥嶺 Tianmu Ling 浙江 Zhejiang 在剡縣南部天姥山之嶺(今紹興/新昌邊界山區);
South of Shan County, in the Tianmu range
屬真人魏顯仁治之 – Domain of Perfected Wei Xianren; later celebrated in Tang poetry.
17. 若耶溪 Ruoye Xi 浙江 Zhejiang 在會稽山北麓(今紹興市區東南的若耶溪流域);
In Kuaiji (Shaoxing) region
屬真人山世遠所治之 – Administered by Perfected Shan Shiyuan; a famed scenic and numinous stream.
18. 金庭山 Jinting Shan 安徽 Anhui 在古廬州巢縣境內(今安徽巢湖地區紫微/金庭山);
Old Chaoxian (Chaohu region), also called Ziwei Shan
別名紫微山,屬馬仙人治之 – Also known as Ziwei Mountain; governed by the immortal Ma.
19. 清遠山 Qingyuan Shan 廣東 Guangdong 在廣東省清遠市清城/清新一帶山區;
Qingyuan County north of Guangzhou
屬陰真人治之 – Domain of Perfected Yin; later a Lingnan Daoist center.
20. 安山 An Shan 廣東 / 廣西 Guangdong / Guangxi 在古交州以北,約當今粵桂邊界一帶群山;
North of ancient Jiaozhou (frontier between modern Guangdong and Guangxi)
安期先生隱處,屬先生治之 – Retreat of An Qi Xiansheng; administered by this famous immortal.
21. 馬嶺山 Maling Shan 湖南 Hunan 在古辰州境內,國內水以東(約今郴州/資興一帶山區);
East of Guonei River, in Chenzhou region
蘇某隱處,屬真人力牧主之 – Hermitage of a recluse Su; governed by Perfected Li Mu.
22. 鵝羊山 Eyang Shan 湖南 Hunan 在古潭州長沙縣境內(今長沙附近群山之一);
In Changsha County, Tanzhou
婁駕先生所隱處 – Refuge of Master Lou Jia, a famed recluse.
23. 洞真墟 Dongzhen Xu 湖南 Hunan 亦在長沙縣境內,近南岳諸山之外;
Also in Changsha County
西岳真人韓終所治之處 – Realm of West-Peak Perfected Han Zhong; a “True Cavern Market.”
24. 青玉壇 Qingyu Tan 湖南 Hunan 在南岳衡山祝融峰西側山腰之間;
West of Mount Zhu Rong peak on Nanyue Hengshan
青烏公治之 – Altar ruled by the geomancer-immortal Qing Wugong.
25. 光天壇 Guangtian Tan 湖南 Hunan 在衡山西源一帶高地;
At the western source of the Heng range
鳳真人所治之處 – “Heaven-of-Light Altar,” governed by Perfected Feng.
26. 洞靈源 Dongling Yuan 湖南 Hunan 在南岳昭襄寺西側山谷之中;
West of Zhaoxian Monastery on Nanyue
鄧先生所隱地 – Hidden spring where Master Deng lived in seclusion.
27. 洞宮山 Donggong Shan 福建 Fujian 在福建省政和、周寧、屏南三縣交界的管厝鎮武陵里之山;
Guanli zhen, Wuling li, between Zhenghe, Zhouning, Pingnan
黃山公主之 – Mountain ruled by Master Huangshan; a cavern-palace site.
28. 陶山 Tao Shan 浙江 Zhejiang 在古安固縣境內(今浙江省瑞安附近丘陵);
In Anguo (Angu) County, near modern Ruian
陶先生曾隱居此處 – Hill where Master Tao once dwelt in retreat.
29. 三皇井 Sanhuang Jing 浙江 Zhejiang 在古衡陽(衡陽/溫州)縣境內,近今平陽一帶;
In Hengyang County (old Wenzhou, now Pingyang)
真人鮑察所治處 – “Three August Ones Well,” governed by Perfected Bao Cha.
30. 爛柯山 Lanke Shan 浙江 Zhejiang 在古新安(新安/信安)縣境內(今浙江省衢州一帶);
Near old Xin’an / Xin’an (Quzhou region)
王質先生隱處 – Retreat of Master Wang Zhi, of the famous Lanke go-playing legend.
31. 勒溪 Lexi 福建 Fujian 在福建省建陽縣東部山谷中;
East of Jianyang, Jianzhou
孔子遺硯之所 – Site where a brushstone ink-slab of Confucius was said to have been left.
32. 龍虎山 Longhu Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在江西省鷹潭市貴溪市境內龍虎山;
Guixi County, Yingtan region
仙人張巨君主之 – Ruled by Immortal Zhang Jujun; later seat of the Celestial Masters.
33. 靈山 Ling Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在古信州上饒縣北(今江西省上饒市北郊);
North of Shangrao in Xinzhou
墨真人治之 – Domain of Perfected Mo; a numinous hill in northeast Jiangxi.
34. 泉源 Quanyuan 廣東 Guangdong 在廣東省博羅縣羅浮山境內某處泉源;
Within Luofu Shan, Boluo County
仙人華子期治之 – Sacred spring governed by Immortal Hua Ziqi.
35. 金精山 Jinjing Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在古虔州虔化縣境內(今江西省寧都一帶);
In Qianhua County, old Qianzhou (modern Ningdu)
仇季子治之 – Mountain administered by Qiu Jizi; associated with metal “essence.”
36. 閣皂山 Gezhao Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在江西省吉安市新干縣、樟樹市之間的閣皂山一帶;
Near Xingan / Zhangshu (old Jizhou, modern Jiangxi)
郭真人所治處,葛玄曾修煉於此 – Domain of Perfected Guo; later center of the Lingbao Gezhao school, where Ge Xuan cultivated the Dao.
37. 始豐山 Shifeng Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在古洪州豐城縣境內(今江西省豐城市附近山區);
Fengcheng County, old Hongzhou
尹真人所治之地 – Territory of Perfected Yin in the Shifeng hills.
38. 逍遙山 Xiaoyao Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在洪州南昌縣附近山區;
Nanchang County, Hongzhou
徐真人治之地 – Governed by Perfected Xu; name evokes “free-and-easy wandering.”
39. 東白源 Dongbai Yuan 江西 Jiangxi 在古洪州新吳縣東界(今江西豐城/奉新之間);
East of Xinwu County (modern Fengxin) in Hongzhou
劉仙人所治之地 – Domain of Immortal Liu; an “Eastern White Spring.”
40. 鉢池山 Bochi Shan 江蘇 Jiangsu 在古楚州境內(今江蘇省淮安附近);
In old Chuzhou, near modern Huai’an
王子喬得道之處 – Site where Prince Wangzi Qiao is said to have attained Daoist transcendence.
41. 論山 Lun Shan 江蘇 Jiangsu 在古潤州丹徒縣境內(今鎮江/南京之間丘陵);
Dantu County, Runzhou (near Zhenjiang / Nanjing)
終真人所治 – Governed by Perfected Zhong; a lesser sacred hill in the lower Yangtze.
42. 毛公壇 Maogong Tan 江蘇 Jiangsu 在古蘇州常州縣境內(今常州/武進一帶);
Changzhou (Changzhou/Changzhou County; old Suzhou region)
莊仙人修道之所 – Altar where Immortal Zhuang practiced the Dao.
43. 雞籠山 Jilong Shan 安徽 Anhui 在古和州歷陽縣境內(今安徽馬鞍山和縣附近);
Liyang County, Hezhou (modern Hexian / Ma'anshan area)
郭真人治之 – Domain of Perfected Guo at “Chicken-Cage Mountain.”
44. 桐柏山 Tongbai Shan 河南 Henan 在古唐州桐柏縣境內(今河南省桐柏縣附近);
Tongbai County, old Tangzhou
李仙君所治之處 – Ruled by Immortal Lord Li; famed northern Tongbai sacred range.
45. 平都山 Pingdu Shan 重慶 Chongqing 在古忠州境內(今重慶豐都縣附近);
Old Zhongzhou, modern Fengdu area
陰真君上升之處 – Place where the True Lord Yin ascended to the heavens.
46. 綠蘿山 Lvluo Shan 湖南 Hunan 在古朗州武陵縣境內(今湖南省桃源縣一帶);
Wuling County, Langzhou (modern Taoyuan)
接桃源界 – “Touches the boundary of Peach Blossom Spring”; a liminal utopian landscape.
47. 虎溪山 Huxi Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在古江州南彭澤縣境內(近今鄱陽湖一帶丘陵);
Nan Pengze County, Jiangzhou (near Poyang Lake)
五柳先生隱處 – Hermitage of the “Five-Willow Gentleman” (Tao Yuanming); also linked to Lushan’s famous Tiger Brook.
48. 彰龍山 Zhanglong Shan 湖南 Hunan 在古潭州醴陵縣北(今湖南省醴陵北部丘陵);
North of Liling County, Tanzhou
臧先生治之 – Administered by Master Zang; a “manifest dragon” mountain.
49. 抱福山 Baofu Shan 廣東 Guangdong 在古連州境內(今廣東省連州市附近山區);
Lianzhou County (modern Lianzhou), possibly also linked to Nanhai / Jiaozhou
範真人所治處 – Domain of Perfected Fan in the southern ranges.
50. 大面山 Damian Shan 四川 Sichuan 在古漢州成都縣境內(約今都江堰/青城山一帶);
Chengdu County region, near modern Dujiangyan / Qingcheng
仙人柏成子治之 – Ruled by Immortal Bai Chengzi; later counted as one of Qingcheng’s seventy-two blessed spots.
51. 元晨山 Yuancheng Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在古江州都昌縣境內(今江西省都昌縣附近);
In Duchang County, Jiangzhou
孫真人安期生治之 – Domain of Sun Zhenren, identified with the immortal An Qisheng.
52. 馬蹄山 Mati Shan 江西 Jiangxi 在古饒州鄱陽縣境內(今江西省鄱陽縣一帶);
In Poyang County, Raozhou
真人子州所治之處 – Governed by Perfected Zizhou at “Horseshoe Mountain.”
53. 德山 De Shan 湖南 Hunan 在古朗州武陵縣境內(今桃源、常德一帶);
Wuling County, Langzhou (Taoyuan region)
仙人張巨君治之 – Mountain administered by Immortal Zhang Jujun; a site of “virtue.”
54. 高溪藍水山 Gaoxi Lanshui Shan 陝西 Shaanxi 在古雍州藍田縣境內高溪、藍水一帶山谷;
Lantian County, old Yongzhou
並太上所游處 – “High Stream Blue Waters Mountain,” visited by the Most High (Taishang).
55. 藍水 Lanshui 陝西 Shaanxi 在藍田縣近長安之境內河谷;
Lantian County near the Western Capital (Chang’an)
屬地仙張兆期所治之處 – Waters governed by the earth immortal Zhang Zhaoqi.
56. 玉峰 Yufeng 陝西 Shaanxi 在古京兆境內(今西安附近某峰);
In Jingzhao (Xi’an) region
屬仙人柏戶治之 – “Jade Peak” under the care of Immortal Bai Hu.
57. 天柱山 Tianzhu Shan 安徽 Anhui 在今安徽省潛山縣天柱山一帶;
Modern Qianshan County, Anqing
屬地仙王伯元治之 – Pillar-of-Heaven Mountain, governed by the earth immortal Wang Boyuan.
58. 商谷山 Shanggu Shan 陝西 Shaanxi 在古商州境內(今陝西省商縣/商洛市一帶);
Shangzhou (modern Shang County)
四皓仙人隱處 – Refuge of the Four Ho elders, legendary recluse ministers.
59. 張公洞 Zhanggong Dong 江蘇 Jiangsu 在江蘇省宜興縣境內,近今無錫以西山地;
In Yixing County, near Wuxi
真人康桑治之 – Cavern of “Master Zhang,” administered by Perfected Kangsang.
60. 司馬悔山 Simahui Shan 浙江 Zhejiang 在台州天台山之北的山區;
North of Tiantai Shan, Taizhou
此是李明仙人所治處 – “Sima-Repents Mountain,” governed by Immortal Li Ming.
61. 長在山 Changzai Shan 山東 Shandong 在古長山縣境內(約今淄博、鄒平一帶);
Changshan County (modern Zouping / surrounding area)
毛真人治之 – “Ever-Abiding Mountain,” domain of Perfected Mao.
62. 中條山 Zhongtiao Shan 山西 Shanxi 在古河中府猗氏、猶縣一帶(今山西永濟/夏縣近中條山);
Yuxiang County, Hezhong Prefecture (modern Yongji)
趙仙人治處 – Sacred range governed by Immortal Zhao.
63. 湖魚澄洞 Huyu Cheng Dong 雲南 Yunnan 在古姚州境內(今雲南姚安一帶);
In old Yaozhou, modern Yao’an region
始皇先生曾隱此處 – Cave where “Master of the First Emperor” was once in seclusion.
64. 綿竹山 Mianzhu Shan 四川 Sichuan 在古漢州綿竹縣境內(今四川綿竹市附近);
Mianzhu County, old Hanzhou
瓊華夫人治之 – Domain of Lady Qionghua, a female immortal.
65. 瀘水 Lu Shui 四川 / 甘肅 Sichuan / Gansu 在西方涼州境內瀘水(瀘河)上游一帶;
In western Liangzhou region (upper reaches of the Lu River)
仙人安公治之 – River region overseen by Immortal An Gong.
66. 甘山 Gan Shan 貴州 Guizhou 在今黔南地區某山(古記不詳);
In the Qiannan area
寧真人治處 – Mountain governed by Perfected Ning in the southwest.
67. 漢山 Han Shan 四川 Sichuan 在古漢州境內(今廣漢一帶丘陵或漢州附近山地);
In Hanzhou (modern Guanghan region)
赤鬚先生治之 – “Red-Bearded Master” presides over this Han Mountain.
68. 金城山 Jincheng Shan 四川 / 山西 Sichuan / Shanxi 或在蜀地南充附近的僊/石述山,或認為在雲中郡(今山西大同)一帶;
Old “Xianshu / Shishu” near Nanchong, or possibly Yunzhong Commandery (modern Datong)
石真人所治之處 – Domain of Perfected Shi; location disputed between Sichuan and Shanxi.
69. 雲山 Yun Shan 湖南 Hunan 在古邵州武岡縣境內(今湖南省武岡市附近);
Wugang County, Shaozhou
仙人盧生治之 – “Cloud Mountain,” governed by Immortal Lu Sheng.
70. 北邙山 Beimang Shan 河南 Henan 在洛陽城北的北邙山地帶;
North of Luoyang, the Eastern Capital
魏真人治之 – Old burial and cult mountain; domain of Perfected Wei.
71. 盧山 Lu Shan 福建 Fujian 在福建省連江縣沿海山地(非江西廬山);
Lianjiang County, Fuzhou region
謝真人治之 – Not the Jiangxi Lushan; a coastal peak governed by Perfected Xie.
72. 東海山 Donghai Shan 江蘇 Jiangsu 在古海州境內(今江蘇省連雲港海州一帶沿海高地);
Near Haizhou (modern Haizhou, Lianyungang)
王真人治之 – “East-Sea Mountain,” a coastal blessed land under Perfected Wang.

Additional Famous Mountains (名山) noted by Du Guangting
缑氏山 Goushi Shan 河南 Henan 在河南省洛陽市偃師區南部的缑氏山一帶;
North of Luoyang, near modern Yanshi District
子晋(王子乔)驾鹤上升之处;武则天曾立碑于此。
Mount Goushi, where Prince Jin (Wangzi Qiao) ascended riding a crane; a stele attributed to Empress Wu Zetian still stands nearby.

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