Abstract: Based on the theoretical perspectives and research methods of documentation compilation and historiography history, and by interpreting the stylistic rules, this paper studies the core issues as identifying the nature of literature and the author’s identity of the only copy extant overseas intituled Outline of Foshan Streets under Daoguang Period. It is the earliest special chronicle of commercial streets belonging to the township chronicles. In transversal comparison, this paper analyzes Township Gazetteers of Zhongyi in Foshan under the same period and discusses its compilation characteristics and value. Summarizing the experience and methods for identifying the nature of this book has specific enlightening significance for further exploring the nature and classification of local literature.

Key words: The only copy extant overseas, Outline of Foshan Streets under Daoguang Period, Township Gazetteers of Zhongyi in Foshan under Daoguang Period, Stylistic rules, Local gazetteers