Xu Xiake’s Former Residence, situated in Majiazhen Town (also known as Xu Xiake Town) in Jiangyin City, is a historical site that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Spanning an area of 1000 square meters, the residence is adorned with a plaque inscribed with ‘Xu Xiake’s Former Residence,’ which tells the story of Xu Xiake’s life, showcases various karst samples, and displays academic papers and monographs written by modern experts and scholars. Additionally, over forty photographs of places Xu Xiake visited are exhibited within the residence.
In the courtyard to the east of the main hall, a robust and lush podocarpus stands tall, planted by Xu Xiake himself over four hundred years ago. This ancient tree now reaches a height of 6.50 meters, with a base diameter of 2.2 meters, and its trunk is so wide that it requires two people to embrace it.
Behind the former residence, one can find Xu Xiake’s Ming-style reburial tomb, which covers an area of 745 square meters. The tomb is flanked by renowned plants of the Jiangnan region, including podocarpus, ground cypress, and white magnolia. At the end of the cemetery, in front of the altar, stands a 2.70-meter-tall statue of Xu Xiake, depicted holding a bamboo hat, as if he has just returned from a long journey through the mountains and rivers of his country.
The site is accessible to visitors all year round, with opening hours from 08:30 to 16:30, and extended hours from 08:30 to 17:00.
