Xu Xiake 1586–1641: The Art of Travel Writing

Xu Xiake was a Chinese travel writer and geographer who lived during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. He is best known for his travelogue Journey to the West, which describes his extensive travels throughout China.

Xu Xiake (1586-1641): The Art of Travel Writing

by Julian Ward

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3920 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	254 pages
Paperback	:	34 pages
Item Weight	:	2.08 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.08 x 9 inches

FREE

Xu Xiake was born in 1586 in Jiangxi Province. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and received a classical education. As a young man, Xu Xiake developed a passion for travel and began to explore the countryside around his home. He soon realized that he had a talent for writing and began to keep a journal of his travels.

In 1613, Xu Xiake embarked on a journey to the west. He traveled for over ten years, visiting over 20 provinces and covering over 30,000 miles. During his travels, Xu Xiake kept a detailed journal, which he later used to write his travelogue Journey to the West.

Journey to the West is a masterpiece of Chinese travel writing. It is full of vivid descriptions of the places Xu Xiake visited, as well as his thoughts and feelings about the people he met. Xu Xiake was a keen observer of the natural world and his writings are full of insights into the geography, climate, and flora and fauna of China.

In addition to his travel writing, Xu Xiake was also a skilled cartographer. He produced over 100 maps of China, which are still used by scholars today. Xu Xiake's maps are notable for their accuracy and detail, and they provide a valuable record of the geography of China during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.

Xu Xiake died in 1641 at the age of 55. He was a prolific writer and left behind a large body of work, including travelogues, maps, and essays. Xu Xiake is considered one of the greatest travel writers in Chinese history, and his work has had a profound influence on Chinese literature and geography.

The Art of Travel Writing

Xu Xiake was a master of the art of travel writing. His writing is clear, concise, and engaging. He had a gift for capturing the essence of a place and its people. His descriptions of the natural world are particularly vivid and poetic.

Xu Xiake's travel writing is also notable for its accuracy and objectivity. He was not afraid to criticize the places he visited, and he was always willing to challenge conventional wisdom. His writings provide a valuable record of China during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.

If you are interested in learning more about Xu Xiake and his work, I highly recommend reading his travelogue Journey to the West. It is a fascinating and informative account of his travels throughout China. You can also find many of his maps online.

Xu Xiake was a remarkable man who left behind a legacy of great literature and scholarship. His travel writing is a valuable record of China during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. His work is also a testament to the power of the written word to capture the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

Xu Xiake (1586-1641): The Art of Travel Writing

by Julian Ward

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3920 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	254 pages
Paperback	:	34 pages
Item Weight	:	2.08 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.08 x 9 inches

FREE