Xu, who was born into a wealthy family, gave up his position and set out on foot carrying his trunks with his servants. On several occasions his supplies ran out and had to beg for food. On other occasions, he was robbed. But these travails of the road didn't deter him from his course.
為遊，原本公子哥兒的徐霞客放下身段，與僕人分負行李，步行於途，幾次絕糧乞食，歷盜遭劫，卻仍不改其志。