The world of Jin Yong’s novels spans centuries of Chinese history, from the ancient kingdoms of the Spring and Autumn period to the Qing Dynasty. These locations serve as the backdrop for epic martial arts adventures, political intrigue, and legendary heroes. This page features the most significant locations from each novel, organized by historical period and geographic region.
Sword of the Yue Maiden
Full locations: Sword of the Yue Maiden locations
Demi-Gods & Semi-Devils
Full locations: Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils locations
Sacred mountains and temples
- Mount Song 嵩山 — Sacred mountain home to Shaolin Monastery
- Shaolin Monastery 少林寺 — The most famous Buddhist temple and martial arts center
- Tianlong Temple 天龙寺 — Buddhist temple in Dali Kingdom
- Tubo Dalun Temple 吐蕃大轮寺 — Tibetan Buddhist temple
Hidden locations
- Lingjiu Palace 灵鹫宫 — Mysterious palace on Tianshan Mountains
- Valley of Ten Thousand Calamities 万劫谷 — Hidden valley with unique flora
- Mantuo Manor 曼陀山庄 — Wang Yuyan’s family manor
The Legend of the Condor Heroes
Full locations: The Legend of the Condor Heroes locations
Major cities and capitals
- Xiangyang 襄阳 — Strategic fortress city defending against Mongol invasion
- Lin’an 临安 — Capital of Southern Song Dynasty
- Central Capital 金中都 — Historical capital of the Jin dynasty
- Karakorum 哈剌和林 — Capital city of the Mongol Empire
Sacred mountains and peaks
- Mount Hua 华山 — One of China’s Five Sacred Mountains
- Zhongnan Mountains 终南山 — Sacred Daoist mountain range
- White Camel Mountain 白驼山 — Mountain base of Ouyang Feng
- Iron Palm Peak 铁掌峰 — Mountain peak where Iron Palm Keep was based
Islands and water bodies
- Peach Blossom Island 桃花岛 — Huang Yaoshi’s island stronghold
- Mingxia Island 明霞岛 — Uninhabited island in the East China Sea
- Lake Tai 太湖 — Third largest freshwater lake in China
- West Lake 西湖 — Cultural symbol of Southern Song refinement
Western regions
- Western Regions 西域 — Frontier territories west of China proper
- Samarkand 撒马尔罕 — Historic Silk Road city in modern Uzbekistan
- Iron Gate Pass 铁门关 — Historic Silk Road mountain gate
The Return of the Condor Heroes
Full locations: The Return of the Condor Heroes locations
Sacred mountains
- Zhongnan Mountains 终南山 — Sacred Daoist mountain housing Quanzhen Order and Ancient Tomb School
- Mount Hua 华山 — One of China’s Five Sacred Mountains
Hidden locations
- Ancient Tomb 古墓 — Underground tomb complex beneath Zhongnan Mountain
- Valley of Heartless Love 绝情谷 — Hidden valley filled with Passion Flowers
- Sword Demon Valley 剑魔谷 — Hidden valley where Dugu Qiubai lived
Religious sites
- Chongyang Palace 重阳宫 — Main temple of Quanzhen Order on Zhongnan Mountain
Fortified locations
- Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Manor 万兽山庄 — Mountain fortress of the Shi brothers
The Heavenly Sword & the Dragon Sabre
Full locations: The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre locations
Coming soon.
Laughing in the Wind
Full locations: Laughing in the Wind locations
Coming soon.
Ode to Gallantry
Full locations: Ode to Gallantry locations
Coming soon.
Sword Stained with Royal Blood
Full locations: Sword Stained with Royal Blood locations
Coming soon.
The Deer & the Cauldron
Full locations: The Deer and the Cauldron locations
Coming soon.
A Deadly Secret
Full locations: A Deadly Secret locations
Coming soon.
Mandarin Duck Blades
Full locations: Mandarin Duck Blades locations
Coming soon.
The Book & the Sword
Full locations: The Book and the Sword locations
Coming soon.
Side Story of the Flying Fox
Full locations: Side Story of the Flying Fox locations
Coming soon.
Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain
Full locations: Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain locations
Coming soon.
White Horse Neighing in the West Wind
Full locations: White Horse Neighing in the West Wind locations
Coming soon.
See also
Explore Jin Yong’s archive
- Read: Browse the translation archive.
- Explore: Return to the Jin Yong author hub or Jin Yong novels.
- Understand: Start with Wuxia and how we translate wuxia.
- Watch: Follow the wuxia adaptations route.
- Write: Study story elements in wuxia fiction.