Xu Da-chun, originally named Da-ye, styled Ling-tai, and later known as Hui-xi Elder, was from Songling Town, Wujiang, Jiangsu. His grandfather, Xu Qiu, was a Hanlin scholar in the Hongci Examination of the 18th year of Kangxi (1679), serving as a reviewer and compiling the History of Ming. His father, Xu Yanghao, was an expert in water conservancy and was once hired to compile the Wuzhong Water Conservancy Records. Da-chun was well-versed in Confucianism from a young age and also studied various schools of thought, showing exceptional intelligence. Approaching thirty, due to frequent illnesses in his family, he devoted himself to medicine, quickly mastering the works of famous physicians throughout history. He practiced medicine to help the world, deeply understanding medicinal properties, and could often cure severe diseases with ease.

Da-chun was diligent in his studies and left a rich legacy of writings, all of which were his commentaries and expositions, such as Yixue Yuanliu Lun (1757), Yiguan Bian (1767), Lantai Guifan (1764), Shenji Chuyan (1767), etc., all of which broke new ground and established a unique stance, making him a rare medical critic in the history of Chinese medicine. He also authored Nan Jing Jingshi (1727), Shennong Bencao Jing Baizhong Lu (1736), Shanghan Leifang (1759), and Neijing Quanshi, Liujing Bingjie, etc. Although these works were meant to interpret the classics, they contained many insightful views. Later generations compiled his works into Xu's Complete Medical Works in Sixteen Volumes, which were widely circulated and had a significant impact.

Xu Da-chun was summoned to the capital twice. The first time was in the 25th year of Qianlong (1760), where his straightforward and simple manner won the favor of Emperor Qianlong, who initially intended to keep him in the capital, but he firmly declined and returned to seclusion at Huamei Spring. The second time was in the 36th year of Qianlong, when he was already 79 years old. Knowing he was unwell, he took his son Xu Xi with him and died three days after arriving in the capital. Before his death, he composed a couplet for his tomb: "The mountain is full of fragrant herbs, the medicine of immortals; a path of clear breeze, the tomb of a hermit." This can be said to be a portrayal of his life.