Notes of Fan Chengda - Six Types -- Tang and Song

Author: Fan Chengda (Song Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: Fan Chengda, styled Zheneng, was from Wu Jun. He passed the imperial examination in the 24th year of the Shaoxing era (1154) and rose to the position of Vice Chancellor. His biography is detailed in the Song History. This book, including its incomplete copies, comprises six extant notebooks by Fan Chengda, arranged chronologically. One of them is the Lampa Lü, written in the 6th year of the Xingdao era of Emperor Xiaozong of Song (1170). The Lampa Lü holds significant historical research value. This book provides a daily record of the distances and mileage from the Sizhou (the boundary line between Song and Jin, according to the Longxing Agreement) into the Jin territory, as well as the distances between Jin's prefectures, counties, and towns. It also examines some famous scenic spots and historical sites. These are all primary sources for studying the historical geography of the Jin Dynasty.
Second, the book provides a detailed account of the layout of the palaces in the capital of Jin, Zhongdu. These records often serve as corroboration and supplementation for Volume 24 of the Jin History, which covers the Zhongdu Circuit.
Third, Fan Chengda paid close attention to various people and events, showing that he was a meticulous observer.
Fourth, in the 3rd year of the Shaoxi era of Emperor Guangzong of Song (1192), when Fan Chengda was still alive, his close friend Lu You read this book. Impressed by the statement in the book that "the elders of the Central Plains often shed tears upon meeting envoys," Lu You composed a quatrain in response (see the appendix of this book for Lu You's poem).
Additionally, Fan Chengda noted that the common people living in Jin had long adapted to the customs of the northern barbarians and had adopted their habits, particularly among the younger generation.