Records of Yunnan

Records of Yunnan is a gazetteer compiled in his later years by the Ming scholar Yang Shen. It gives a detailed account of Yunnan’s history, geography, local customs, ethnic traditions, and historic sites, revealing both his profound learning and his deep affection for his homeland. Organized chronologically, the book records political changes, military conflicts, ethnic integration, and the merits and failings of officials who governed the region from ancient times through the Ming dynasty. It also describes the grandeur and beauty of natural landmarks such as Dianchi Lake, the Stone Forest, and Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, while documenting the clothing, languages, festivals, and customs of the region’s ethnic minorities. Rich in detail and clearly organized, the book is written in an elegant style full of feeling. It is not only a valuable source for local history, but also a work of humanistic geography imbued with cultural concern, showing Yang Shen’s scholarly character: even in exile, he remained devoted to his homeland and widely read.