Visit the home of the "Father of Travel" in Jiangyin, the former residence of Xu Xiake.

As a famous geographer, explorer, and travel writer of the Ming Dynasty, Xu Xiake is considered the "Father of Travel" by many travel bloggers. During my trip to Jiangyin, Wuxi, I made a special visit to Xu Xiake's former residence to pay my respects. ❤️ Xu Xiake's former residence is where he was born and lived. It originally had 13 courtyards, each with nine rooms, totaling 117 rooms. Today, 17 rooms in three courtyards have been preserved and restored. The restored residence retains its ancient charm and features exhibitions and displays. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit. The timeline of Xu Xiake's life provides a glimpse into the major events of the "Saint of Travel." 💡 Xu Xiake's greatness speaks for itself. In an era when travel was slow, he covered vast distances and recorded countless valuable findings. Across from the residence, you can also visit the Xu Xiake Travel Notes Stele Gallery and Qingshan Hall, where you can see many Ming Dynasty stone carvings and the scenery of Jiangnan gardens. 📍 No. 21, Nanyangqi Village, Mazhen, Jiangyin 🚇 Take Wuxi Metro Line S1 to Mazhen Station, then walk 2 km or take a taxi. Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours. 🎫 Tickets to Xu Xiake's former residence are only CNY 12, and parking is free.