Fr. David in the Qinling

 

This page explores the travels of the French missionary Monsieur L’Abbé Père Jean Pierre Armand David (CM, 1826-1900, 谭卫道, Tan Weidao) between Xi'an and Hanzhong through the Qinling mountains in China in 1873. Fr. David (Fr. Stands for “Frater”, “Frère” or “Brother” as a general term for a Member of a catholic order) was a natural scientist who made three journeys to China. He “discovered” many animal and bird species such as the Panda and the Père David’s deer. His third voyage included areas on the north and south of the Qinling. In coming to Hanzhong from the Guanzhong he travelled an ancient road previously called the Baoxie Road. In Hanzhong he also made geological and biological discoveries before setting off on the Han River for Hankou. He was unfortunately boat-wrecked but was unharmed. His diary of the third visit was published as:

 

David, M. L’Abbé Père Armand (1875). Journal de mon troisième voyage d’exploration dans L’Empire Chinois. 2 volumes, Paris, Libraire Hachette et Cie.

 

The Table below provides access to a number of documents and materials. First, two PDF files of his diary (Vol 1 and Vol 2) are included. The files are searchable. Next, a PDF file has been included with the draft of a description of his travels across the Qinling. A matching translation into Chinese will be posted when both are fully edited. References to Fr. David and his travels on the ancient Shu Roads can also be found in other documents on this web site such as the “Shu Roads Introduction” and “Catholics on the Shu Roads”.

 

The expeditions to the north and south of the Qinling have also been presented as a Google Earth KMZ file. This KMZ file can be downloaded for use and information in Shu Road research. A zip file with selected TIFF files from the documents has been provided for people who wish to view them in more detail. Other documments covering Fr. David's activities to the north of the Qinling and and in the Han River Basin will be made available when completed.