Old Shadows of Bashu: Bashu Style as Seen by a Japanese Person a Hundred Years Ago

Author: (Japanese) Hayashiwasu Hayami
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
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, this book documents various aspects such as geographical terrain, local customs, economic and product conditions, historical sites, and social interactions, with a particular emphasis on economic trade, historical sites, and social interactions. The author has a deep understanding of Chinese history and culture, so the travelogue not only records and reflects on historical and scenic spots along the way but also includes some research and verification. For example, in Yichang, the description of the history of Jingmen and Huaya is richly referenced from ancient records, blending past and present. The author is very familiar with Fan Chengda's Wu Chuan Lu and Lu You's Entering Shu, often comparing the scenery recorded by Fan Chengda and Lu You over 700 years ago with the scenery of that time during the journey. For instance, comparing the tea-selling women recorded by Lu You in Huangling Temple with those of the Qing Dynasty, the author found that the women's skin tone was not as white as Lu You described, nor did they wear blue-and-white checkered headscarves. Sometimes, the author also verifies historical records, such as in Guiyang, where the author examines the origin of the name "Zigui" and its relationship with Chu culture and Qu Yuan, offering insightful perspectives.