“Treasures from Afar”: The Cultural Characteristics and Dissemination Value of Hong Kong Travel Literature

Abstract

Xia Er Guan Zhen (遐迩贯珍), founded in August 1853 and ceased publication in May 1856, spanned the terms of Governors Bonham and Bowring. This paper takes Xia Er Guan Zhen, founded in the mid-19th century, as its research object, systematically examines its distinctive status and cultural significance in the history of Hong Kong travel literature. Through literature analysis and the theoretical framework of travel literature, it unveils the innovative attributes of the journal in terms of factual writing, elegant language, and cross-cultural communication. Xia Er Guan Zhen pioneered a travel tradition integrating practical utility with literary aesthetics through the dissemination of scientific knowledge, the enlightenment of economic concepts, and comparative narratives of Chinese and Western cultures. Furthermore, its pioneering exploration of cross-cultural communication models and practices serves as a crucial precursor and methodological reference for the effective dissemination and in-depth exchange of contemporary travel literature.