A self-shift plasma display panel based on the surface discharge is disclosed. This plasma display panel has two electrode groups of shift electrodes and channel electrodes which are positioned so that the two types of electrodes cross at right angles on the same substrate facing a discharge space filled with gas capable of ionization. The shift electrodes are alternately connected to first and second buss at intervals of one electrode, and the channel electrodes are alternately connected to third and fourth buss at intervals of one electrode. The above-mentioned four buss are connected to a four phase alternating voltage source. A discharge spot produced between a shift electrode and a channel electrode is shifted along the channel electrode by means of the four phase alternating voltage applied to the four buss in order.