Mapping the Sacred Landscape: Spatial Representation and Narrative in Panoramic Maps of Mount Wutai and Mount Putuo

Panoramic maps (shengjing tu) of Mount Wutai and Mount Putuo, often preserved as woodblock prints, serve not merely as pilgrimage guides but as narrative-driven representations that emphasize sacredness over geographical accuracy. These maps prioritize significant monasteries and landscape features, integrating local legends and historical narratives to convey the spiritual essence of the sites. Unlike practical roadmaps, their primary function is to evoke a sense of reverence through artistic conventions, while their affordability via woodblock printing facilitated widespread dissemination, reinforcing the sacred significance of these Buddhist landscapes. The study reveals that these maps are folk landscape paintings shaped by religious beliefs and geomantic principles, offering an idealized spatial representation rather than strict realism.

Pan, Y. (2025). Mapping the Sacred Landscape: Spatial Representation and Narrative in Panoramic Maps of Mount Wutai and Mount Putuo. Religions, 16(6), 671. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16060671