Abstract: Allusion was one element of parallel prose form in the Southern Dynasty. Its evolution of skills was basically synchronized with the development of parallel prose. During Liu Song period, the parallel prose was initially formed. And the total number of allusions was relatively small, including allusions of language and events, and by means of overt quotations. Accordingly, the skills were not so refined. However, generally speaking, the allusions were appropriate and natural. Till the Qi, Liang and Chen Dynasties, with parallel prose developing and getting mature, the number of allusions increased and the manners of alluding became flexible and various, including legible allusions, implicit allusions, anti allusions, borrowed allusions and creative allusions. Meanwhile, alluding techniques became refined. Writers were good at using allusions flexibly, appropriately and naturally. The allusions in parallel prose in the Southern Dynasty could not only enrich the content of the article, improve the expressive force, but vary writing forms, enhance aesthetic effect, and play an important role in the process of pursuing beauty in form of parallel prose.

Key words: allusion, skills of form, evolution, parallel prose in Southern Dynasty