Abstract: Yang Shen is a scholar with strong criticism consciousness in the Ming Dynasty. His historical criticism is mainly manifested in the historical aesthetics of Shi chi and Han shu, the intentional flaw in the historiography of the Song Dynasty, and other history books based on the value of historical materials and compilation. Three reasons show characteristics of his historical criticism:1) the study atmosphere of Shi chi and Han shu in the Middle Ming Dynasty inspired Yang Shen to make criticism; 2) the academic way that worships Sinology and suppress Song studies triggered Yang Shen's harsh criticism on historiography in the Song Dynasty; 3) the erudite academic vision promoted Yang Shen to examine the value of historical materials and to seek the perfection of the compilers' qualifications.