This chapter serves as the introduction to the inaugural volume of The General History of Literature and Arts of China, focusing on the Pre-Qin period. It establishes the foundational concepts, methodological approaches, and historical context for studying the genesis of Chinese literary and artistic theory. The central concept explored is the “artistic spirit,” characterized by its universality within a cultural system, its transcendence beyond mere material function, and its historically situated aestheticism. This spirit is identified not as a formalized theory but as the germinating essence observable in functional artifacts and myths from prehistoric times through the Zhou Dynasty. The chapter traces the evolution of literary thought from the “Official Scholarship of the Royal Court” (王官之学) of the Western Zhou—embodied in the Six Arts (Liuyi) like the Book of Songs, Book of Documents, and Book of Rites—to the “Scholarship of Independent Scholars” (诸子之学) during the Spring-Autumn and Warring States periods. This transition marked a shift from a monolithic, ritual-oriented ideology reinforcing aristocratic hierarchy to diverse, critical, and often utopian philosophical schools like Confucianism and Daoism. This intellectual shift was crucial, as the Independent Scholars reinterpreted classical texts, infused discourse with personal spirit and emotion, and established core values and a unique, experiential way of thinking (“self-reliance” or zide 自得) that would define traditional Chinese literary theory. Methodologically, the research advocates for a “culture and poetics” approach. This involves a “dialogical” hermeneutic stance that seeks a “fusion of horizons” between historical text and modern interpreter, moving beyond pure positivism to uncover enduring meaning and value. It emphasizes placing literary discourse within its specific cultural and historical contexts to understand its genesis and logic accurately. Furthermore, the approach cautiously utilizes Western theories as a referential framework to gain new perspectives while being mindful of potential discursive dislocations due to differing thought patterns. Ultimately, the research aims to demonstrate the contemporary relevance of Pre-Qin literary thought, viewing it not as a relic but as a living wisdom offering spiritual resources within the context of globalization, where its insights can contribute to a shared human cultural heritage.