The Translation and Reception of The Classic of Mountains and Seas in the English-Speaking World

The Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing) is not only an encyclopedic account of ancient Chinese society but also holds significant value for tracing the origins of Chinese civilization and understanding the continuity of Chinese culture. Moreover, it contributes to global multicultural integration. In line with China’s cultural export strategy, the Chinese government, along with numerous domestic and international scholars, has actively promoted the dissemination of classical Chinese texts by employing diverse translation and introduction strategies tailored to the needs of target-language audiences. This paper analyzes three representative English translations of the Shan Hai Jing, along with the China Central Television (CCTV) documentary A Hazy Dream World from Ancient China. As a key work in the “Library of Chinese Classics” series and a text adapted into non-verbal media, the Shan Hai Jing plays an important role in enhancing the international visibility of Chinese culture and expressing the Chinese spirit to a global audience.