Old Shadows of Bashu – as Seen by a Japanese a Hundred Years Ago

Author: (Japanese) Yamakawa Hayami / Li Mi and others
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Although the book "Ba Shu" is a travelogue, it is not a simple record of events. Unlike most domestic travelogues of the Qing Dynasty, which primarily focused on recording historical sites and scenic spots along the route, it provides a comprehensive account of various aspects such as geographical terrain, local customs, economic and agricultural conditions, famous landmarks, and social interactions. It particularly emphasizes the recording of economic trade, famous landmarks, and social interactions. The authors have a deep understanding of Chinese history and culture, so the travelogue not only records and reflects on historical sites along the route but also includes some research and verification. For example, in Yichang, the description of the history of Jingmen and Huaya is richly sourced from ancient records, blending past and present. The authors are well-versed in Fan Chengda's "Jiang Shipu" and Lu You's "Entering Shuji" from Nanjing, often comparing the scenery recorded by Fan Chengda and Lu You over 700 years ago with the contemporary landscape during their travels. For instance, they compare the tea-selling women recorded by Lu You in Huangling Temple with those of the Qing Dynasty, noting that the women's skin tone was not as fair as Lu You described, and they were not wearing blue-and-white checkered headscarves. At times, they also conduct research on historical sites, such as in Guiyang, where they examine the origin of the name "Zigui" and its connection to Chu culture and Qu Yuan, offering insightful perspectives.