Abstract：The origination and characteristic features of the ancient local chronicles in China are described in the essay. Based on the description the essay proceeds to define them, assuming that they are the documentation of the physical environment, social constitution as well as the historical and contemporary development in certain areas. The essay believes that the ancient local chronicles are a singular vehicle of the state of affairs in those places, which are scientific and resourceful and cannot be replaced by other literature. In conclusion, it divides the chronicles into two categories:that by the government and that by the individuals; it also generalizes the four phases in their development.
