Changcheng

Overview

Changcheng keeps Mount Luomu in the third western itinerary of the Shanhaijing. The text describes the guardian as human-shaped with a leopard-like tail. It connects Changcheng with heaven’s nine virtues, a statement developed by the attached commentary into an account of nine qualities or influences. The profile retains the base association without treating the commentary as an independently dated oral legend.

The landscape is reached by travelling across water and is rich in jade and blue-green stone, while the mountain itself lacks water. These are characteristics of the place, not bodily substances from which Changcheng is made. The passage provides no wings, multiple heads, weapon, or predatory episode. Its human-and-feline anatomy and custodial role give it a distinctive place among the western guardians even though the directly read witness contains little narrative action.

Origins & earliest records

China; Shanhaijing western mountain itineraries

Records & interpretation

Directly read named primary-text transcription; historical illustration not yet assigned.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Shanhaijing, Western Mountains

   Anonymous received text; Guo Pu commentary in this witness

   Third western itinerary; Mount Luomu

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

Primary records and illustrations

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Primary text transcriptionShanhaijing: Western Mountains, received text and commentaryResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.