Encampment and movement in mountains should be swift through passes, with camps on high, sunny positions and avoidance of climbing heights to fight.

By Sun Tzu, from L'Art de la guerre

Key Arguments

  • Passing quickly over mountains reduces exposure and risk in difficult terrain.
  • Camping on elevated, sun-facing ground improves health, visibility, and tactical advantage.
  • Avoiding uphill attacks conserves strength and prevents disadvantageous engagements.

Source Quotes

Sun Tzu said: We come now to the question of encamping the army, and observing signs of the enemy. Pass quickly over mountains, and keep in the neighborhood of valleys. 2.
2. Camp in high places, facing the sun. Do not climb heights in order to fight.
Camp in high places, facing the sun. Do not climb heights in order to fight. So much for mountain warfare.

Key Concepts

  • Pass quickly over mountains, and keep in the neighborhood of valleys.
  • Camp in high places, facing the sun.
  • Do not climb heights in order to fight.

Context

ix. The Army on the March (lines 530–631) — guidance for mountain warfare and encampment