MU-FU MOUNTAINS

Wade-Giles romanization Mu-fu Shan, Pinyin Mufu Shan, range in northern Hunan and Kiangsi provinces, China. The Mu-fu extend for more than 125 miles (200 km), from near P'ing-chiang in Hunan northeastward to the Yangtze River valley west of Chiu-chiang. The main range averages about 3,300 feet (1,000 m) in height; but Mount Mu-fu itself, the great peak from which the range takes its name, reaches 5,236 feet (1,596 m), and Mount San-feng, further east, reaches 5,489 feet (1,673 m). The range divides the Yangtze valley from the valley of the Hsiu River. To the north of the main range is an area of low ridges and hills stretching down to the Yangtze plain. The Mu-fu Mountains are extremely rugged and are forested. The range is a source of timber, wood oil, and other forest products; some areas are known for their red tea.