Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life of Xu Xiake, emphasizing how he achieved greatness despite the challenging socio-political environment of the late Ming Dynasty, showcasing individual potential in times of adversity [2][21]. Background and Early Life - Xu Xiake was born in 1587 during a relatively peaceful year, but his life was marked by political corruption and social upheaval [3][2]. - He faced difficulties in the imperial examination system, which was highly competitive, with 600,000 candidates and limited opportunities for success [5]. - Xu's family background played a significant role in shaping his values; they were wealthy and had a history of rejecting the civil service path, which influenced his pursuit of exploration over traditional success [4][7]. Exploration and Contributions - Xu Xiake developed a passion for exploration, encouraged by his parents, particularly his mother, who supported his travels and the documentation of his findings [4][16]. - He began his explorations at a young age, visiting significant geographical sites and making notable observations, such as the geological features of Mount Tai and the discrepancies in geographical records [9][10]. - His meticulous documentation and exploration led to significant contributions to geography, including the first cave system map in China and corrections to historical geographical errors [14][15]. Legacy and Impact - Xu Xiake's explorations covered 21 provinces, and his findings were later validated by modern scientific methods, demonstrating the accuracy of his observations [18][21]. - His works, particularly "Xu Xiake's Travel Notes," have been recognized as foundational in the field of geography, with scholars noting his contributions to empirical science in China [21][20]. - Despite the destruction of much of his work and family during the turmoil following his death, his legacy endures through the surviving texts and the recognition of his pioneering spirit in exploration [19][20].

Core Insights - The article explores the travel experiences of historical figures in ancient China, emphasizing their unique perspectives on famous landmarks and lesser-known places [1][2][3] Group 1: Travel Philosophy - The travel philosophy of historical figures like Shen Fu highlights the importance of personal experience over popular opinion, suggesting that true beauty often lies in less-visited locations [2][3] - Shen Fu's reflections on famous sites reveal a critical view, as he finds many renowned attractions to be overrated and prefers hidden gems [2][3] Group 2: Historical Context - The article provides a historical context of travel during the Qing Dynasty, illustrating how travel was often tied to official duties and personal exploration [3][4][6] - It discusses the significance of geographical landmarks, such as the Dayu Ridge, which served as a boundary for many historical figures during their journeys [4][6] Group 3: Cultural Observations - The narrative includes cultural observations about the social dynamics of travel, including the rise of entertainment and leisure activities along waterways, which contributed to the economic prosperity of regions like Jiangnan [9][10] - The description of travel experiences also reflects the societal norms and expectations of the time, such as the necessity of having a valid reason for travel [3][4]

Group 1 - The 20th Xu Xiake International Tourism Festival opened on May 17 in Jiangyin, with New Oriental Education Technology Group's chairman, Yu Minhong, appointed as the dean of Xu Xiake Cultural and Tourism College [1][4] - Yu Minhong expressed excitement about returning to his hometown and taking on the new role, emphasizing the influence of Xu Xiake's travel writings on his life [3][4] - He aims to leverage his resources to contribute to his hometown through the establishment of the Xu Xiake Cultural and Tourism College, fulfilling a long-held wish [4] Group 2 - New Oriental Education Technology Group is involved in a legal dispute, having filed a lawsuit against a similarly named agricultural company for unfair competition, which may involve a partner from a law firm [5]