*The Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake (徐霞客遊記)*, penned by Ming-dynasty explorer Xu Hongzu (1587–1641) and newly translated by Arthur Peng, stands as a landmark masterpiece merging rigorous geographical science and lyrical Chinese travel literature. Over thirty-four grueling years, Xu traversed nearly all of late imperial China—from the mist-shrouded peaks of Tiantai and Huangshan to the remote karst frontiers of Guangxi, Guizhou and Yunnan—recording every mile in handwritten daily journals.

Unlike the leisurely scholarly travelogues of his era, Xu ventured into uncharted wilderness, scaling sheer cliffs, navigating subterranean caves, wading raging rivers, and enduring bandits, harsh weather and illness to gather first-hand evidence. His precise field observations revolutionized ancient Chinese geography: he corrected centuries of erroneous records on river sources, systematically documented karst cave formations, and detailed local flora, ethnic customs and regional hydrology with unprecedented accuracy. Beyond its scientific weight, the work shines with vivid, poetic prose, capturing shifting mountain mists, thundering waterfalls and quiet rural life, blending objective research with profound awe for nature.

This complete annotated English translation preserves both the factual precision and spiritual grace of Xu’s original manuscripts. It includes the preface by Yang Mingshi, full chapter translations of his core mountain expeditions, and supplementary glossaries for classical place names and cultural allusions. More than an ancient travel log, it is a timeless testament to curiosity, perseverance, and humanity’s pursuit to understand the natural world. This volume opens Xu’s legendary journeys to global readers, offering a rare window into Ming China’s landscapes, culture and early empirical exploration.