Ming Dynasty

Xu Xiake (October 5, 1587—March 8, 1641), whose name was Hongzu, whose name was Zhenzhi, was Xiake, Han nationality, and was born in Jiangyin, Zhili, south of Ming Dynasty (now Jiangyin, Jiangsu). Great geographers and travelers and explorers. In the tenth year of Chongzhen (1637), on the 19th day of the first month, he entered Hunan from Jiangxi, and now Hengdong county from Youxian, which lasted for 55 days. He successively visited the counties (cities) of Hengdong, Hengshan, Nanyue, Hengyang, Hengnan, Changning, Qidong and Leiyang under the jurisdiction of Hengyang City, and finally entered the Hengzhou government, enjoying the beautiful landscape and cultural grand view in Hengzhou. His detailed account of Shigu Mountain and Shigu Academy provides a precious historical material for future generations to repair Shigu Academy.