You’an

Overview

You’an belongs to Mount Bianchun in the first northern sequence of the Shanhaijing. Its shape resembles an ape-like yu, and its body is patterned. It laughs readily and lies down when it sees a person. Its voice also calls its own name. This behaviour differs from the predatory declarations attached to some neighbouring beasts.

The mountain’s listed plants include vegetables and fruit trees, and the Gang River runs toward a named marsh. The passage does not say that You’an cultivates the plants or steals fruit. Lying down at a human encounter should not be turned into a magical sleeping attack or a sign of guaranteed friendliness. The entry records a distinctive response, but gives no reason for it. A modern moral character or detailed social structure would require another witness.

Origins & earliest records

China; Shanhaijing, Northern Mountains

Records & interpretation

Directly read Chinese primary-text transcription, with exact named geographical locator; no historical scan claimed.

Selected bibliography

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

1. 01

   Shanhaijing: Northern Mountains

   Anonymous composite received text

   First northern sequence; Mount Bianchun 邊春山

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, Northern Mountains: First northern sequence; Mount Bianchun 邊春山Research access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

youan, named historic Shan hai jing illustration

Named traditional creature plate from the illustrated Shan hai jing corpus. Artist/edition attribution copied from the original file record; historical artistic interpretation, not a photograph of a real animal.