This is a renowned geography book from the Ming Dynasty. It was written by Hongzu Xu (nickname Xiake Xu). The originals have been scattered and lost, and the existing editions were compiled over time. Ten volumes with more than 600,000 words remain today (however, circulations of 12 volumes, 20 volumes and more have been described). The book describes the author’s travel observations from 1607 to 1640 AD and records the geography, geology, geomorphology, karst landforms, hydrology, vegetation and phenology in detail. It also established a new direction in geography that includes systematic observations, descriptions and understanding of nature. Furthermore, it contributed greatly to research on karst landforms in limestone areas by providing vivid, detailed and accurate explanations of the features, structures and formations of caves, underground rivers, peak forests, sinkholes, stalactites, and stalagmites. Its research on limestone landforms preceded that of Europe by more than 200...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsEditor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2020 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this entry
Cite this entry
(2020). The Travelogue of Xiake Xu. In: Chen, A., Ng, Y., Zhang, E., Tian, M. (eds) Dictionary of Geotourism. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_2462
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_2462
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-13-2537-3
Online ISBN: 978-981-13-2538-0
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences