Records of Shu

The Records of Shu is an ancient Chinese chronicle of the history and legends of Shu. Since its author is unknown, later generations preserved and passed it down as an anonymous work. It mainly records a variety of accounts from the ancient Shu region, in present-day Sichuan, ranging from early legends to historical events. These include stories about the kings of ancient Shu, tribal myths, changes in geography, and folk legends. It is an important reference for studying the society, culture, and early history of ancient Shu. Several versions of the Records of Shu survive. Some are attributed to Wang Yin of the Western Jin or to an even earlier author, while others were cited and compiled in later times. All focus on the history of the Shu region. The work is rich in accounts of ancient Shu culture. It records historical events such as Zhang Xianzhong's rebellion in Sichuan, and preserves many original historical fragments concerning people and events in the region. Its accounts portray several facets of life, including warfare, interactions between tribes, and local social order, revealing the complex character of Shu society. As a local chronicle, the Records of Shu is not as systematically structured as an official history. Yet its fragmentary records preserve historical details and local customs that official histories often leave unexplored, making it an important supplement to the study of ancient local history. For readers interested in ancient Chinese local history, relations among ethnic groups, cultural transmission, and the myths and legends of Shu, the Records of Shu offers a firsthand view of early Shu society and history. It also conveys the vivid, tangible quality of ancient historical sources, making it a rare and valuable resource for understanding the history and culture of Sichuan and its surrounding regions.