History amid the mountains

At the launch ceremony, poet Shen Wei commented that the book's most valuable quality lies in "the spirit of humility in the face of the mountains". Prizewinning author Shi Yifeng also noted, "What's most brilliant about the book is its layered and evolving logic."

The author explores the mountain starting with its geology, then its life, history and culture, concluding with its role in civilization, Shi noted.

The book provides an in-depth, multidimensional mapping of the region, delving into the formation of the mountains and the evolution of their landscapes driven by geological activity, as well as the intricate survival networks of plants and animals in the harsh alpine ecosystem.

It also discusses the historical strategic battles involving the Xiongnu cavalry, the Tubo regime that ruled the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from the 7th to the 9th centuries, and the Han and Tang dynasties, as well as the migration, integration, and everyday life of diverse ethnic groups such as the Tibetan, Yugur and Mongolian. Additionally, it explores the changing literary imagery found in frontier poetry and includes the author's personal travel accounts from multiple journeys through the Qilian Mountains.

The author blends various literary styles, such as dictionary entries, Q&A formats, narratives, and second-person travelogues, creating a dynamic, engaging reading experience.

"The book's significance goes beyond simply depicting a mountain range. It offers a fresh perspective on Chinese civilization by creating a 'history-culture-ecology' framework through literature," says Song Jishu, general manager of Phoenix Publishing & Media.

"Qilian" is more than just a geographical term; it is a crucial source of Chinese civilization, rich with the legacy of diverse cultures blending and thriving together, Song adds.