西海紀遊草

"西海紀遊草" by Zhen Lin is a mid-19th century travelogue which recounts the journey of the first Chinese traveler to the United States in the late 1840s. It offers an outsider's observations of American society, culture, and technology. The story follows Lin's voyage to America where he witnesses huge differences between the East and the West. A key event involves Lin discovering mistreated Chinese sailors and using his skills to rescue them. The book illustrates challenges faced by Chinese emigrants and offers snapshots of daily life in the United States during that time.