Why Regional Literary History in China Becomes a Discipline——Academic Origins,Historical Evolution,and Theoretical Construction

Abstract: During the classical period,Chinese regional literary history evolved into a pattern characterized by “one origin and two streams”.Rooted in the canonization of The Classics and critique of the Sao Poetry,it developed along two parallel and complementary tracks:regional literary anthologies and local historical records.Since the modern era,the field began to transform under theoretical influences such as “ the theory of distinct northern and southern literatures”.Yang Shurong's A History of Chaozhou Literature published in 1924 is regarded as the first regional literary history in this time.Since the founding of the People's Republic of China,and particularly since the 1980s,regional literary history has gradually developed into a surge of writing and publishing,characterized by substantial volume,extensive coverage,rich hierarchical levels,and diverse perspectives.However,the discipline has long faced challenges including theoretical stagnation,structural homogeneity,blurred boundaries,and self-aggrandizement.Consciously integrating literary geography into its theoretical system and reconstructing its research paradigm—thereby establishing a spatiotemporal analytical framework—is key to overcoming these obstacles.At the methodological level,emphasis should be placed on interpreting key regional writers,analyzing critical regional texts,and constructing distinctive regional literary traditions.In terms of value orientation,efforts should be directed toward unearthing local literary documents,aesthetically reconstructing literary texts,and preserving regional cultural spirit.By systematically reviewing the academic origins and evolution of the field,critically reflecting on current challenges,and identifying future breakthroughs,the construction of a self-standing “Historiography of Regional Chinese Literature” is not only necessary but also crucial for dismantling the homogeneity of grand narratives in Chinese literary history and revitalizing the creative energy of regional literary traditions.