Chuanqi Tales

Chuanqi tales have evolved from the tales of the supernatural and have another important source, which is miscellaneous histories and biographies. The tales of the supernatural differ from miscellaneous histories and biographies in subject, length and style. In terms of their nature, they are both branches of historiography. The tales of the supernatural are biographies of immortals and ghosts, and miscellaneous accounts of mountains, rivers and caves. Except for their utilitarian motives of religion, they are regarded as part of miscellaneous histories and biographies. Some of the tales of the supernatural are included in the category of historical records by traditional bibliographers. The tradition of historiography restricts the development of ancient Chinese narrative literature.