China is world-known for its abundance of mountains. Its mountain ranges can be divided into five basic categories according to the directions in which they run:

1. West-to-east mountain ranges, including the Tianshan-Yinshan-Yanshan mountain system, the Kunlun-Qinling-Dabie mountain system, and the Nanling mountain system;

2. North-to-south mountain ranges, including the Helan, Liupan, and Hengduan mountain ranges;

3. Northeast-to-southwest mountain ranges, including the Changbai, Greater Hinggan, Taihang, and Wushan ranges;

4. Northwest-to-southeast mountain ranges, including the Altay, Qilian and Gangdise ranges;

5. Arc-shaped mountain ranges, including the Himalayas and Taiwan Mountains