Abstract: This paper aims to research the idea on elegance form in the literary criticism of?Siku?Quanshu?Zongmu, which includes different forms, such as “dian-ya”, “ao-ya”, “gao-ya”, “qing-ya” and “ya-li”. “Dian-ya” means classical and normal, while “ao-ya” emphasizes a transcendence of vulgarity via knowledge and inspired thought, “gao-ya” and “qing-ya” describing the elegance form through image of height and washing, and “ya-li” is a complex form involving both ornament and elegance.

Key words: Siku?Quanshu?Zongmu; classical literary theory; literary form; elegance and vulgarity; “shu-sun qi”