Xu Zonggan was a Jiangsu scholar-official who served in senior positions in Taiwan during the Daoguang and Xianfeng periods, including as circuit intendant. His collected writings, Siweixinzhai Wenbian, compiled essays, administrative documents, and poetry composed during his Taiwan postings, providing a rich source for understanding Taiwan's political climate in the mid-nineteenth century. Xu embodied the ideal of the Confucian literati official — governing by moral example, prioritizing education, and seeking to pacify a fractious settler society through cultural refinement. He also wrote thoughtfully about the island's natural environment and indigenous peoples. His writings are cited by historians studying the administrative and cultural history of mid-Qing Taiwan.

• Served as circuit intendant, compiled Siweixinzhai Wenbian on Taiwan governance

• Governed as a scholar-official, promoting culture and clean administration