Hunan regional culture, also known as Huxiang culture, is an important part of China traditional culture, which refers to the regional culture formed, developed and spread in Hunan. Tracing back to the source, the early matrix of Huxiang culture was Chu culture in the pre-Qin period, which had an important influence on the formation and development of Huxiang culture. Chu culture was formed in the middle of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. It is a culture with Chu regional characteristics created by Chu people, which not only absorbs the essence of Central Plains culture, but also integrates the cultural contents of its surrounding areas. The 800-year development of Chu can be said to be a difficult development process. Because of its remoteness and weak strength, it has been discriminated by the central government and other vassal States in the Central Plains. In order to survive and develop, it is often necessary to fight against other foreigners. Under such circumstances, the pioneering spirit of the Chu people was formed.
What stands out in Chu culture is its romantic spirit. This romantic spirit is embodied in the strong belief in witches and ghosts in Chu culture. Chu is located in the south, with a vast territory, developed water system, surrounded by mountains on three sides, dense forests and strange and mysterious terrain. Under the influence of these geographical factors, Chu people have formed awe and love for the mysterious natural environment. Deep down, they believe that there is some mysterious connection between gods and ghosts, even between man and beast, so the custom of "believing in witches and ghosts and paying attention to prostitution and worship" has been formed in Chu culture, and this custom of worshipping witches has also promoted the formation of romantic cultural temperament of Chu people. After Chu State incorporated Hunan into its territory, Chu culture began to be introduced into Hunan, and local residents in Hunan began to learn the content of Chu culture generally, so it can be said that Chu culture is the source of Huxiang culture. Most local residents in Hunan have strong religious belief and belief in ghosts and gods. On the basis of merging the myths and legends of Chu people, the myths and legends with Hunan characteristics were born, which can be seen from Qu Yuan's work Chu Ci. This shows that Huxiang culture is an organic extension and historical development of Chu culture.