Abstract: Shen Congwen’s local literature is a constituent of humanitarianism and of the ideological trend of common people aroused by the May 4th movement,which makes folk custom,tradition and various country life the important sources for his creation.Shen Congwen finishes the aesthetic construction of “natural humanities” in his local literature,and provides valuable clues for the questions between history and culture,country sensation and ration,and urban and rural.The present local literature should focus on the exploration of country problems,show concern to the peasants in the course of urbanization,construct a “new modernity” with Chinese characteristics,and seek the ecological root of the land.

Key words: Shen Congwen, folk, nationality, modernity