Hu Xueyan's former residence was built in the 11th year of Tongzhi in Qing Dynasty (1872), which was at the peak of Hu Xueyan's career. At that time, the mansion project lasted for 3 years and was completed on 1875. After completion, the former residence is a beautiful mansion with China traditional architectural features and western architectural style. The whole building is long from north to south and wide from east to west, covering an area of 10.8 mu, with a building area of 58 15 square meters.
The gardens in Zhiyuan, the former residence, are rugged and ingenious, among which the rockery is the largest existing artificial cave in China. Entering the former residence, the winding corridors, pavilions, courtyards, cliffs, rockeries, small bridges, flowing water, purple pavilions and carved gatehouses in Zhu Fei make people seem to have entered a big maze.
Baishilou, Suochun Garden, Yixia Garden, Xiqiao Garden, Rongdong Garden, Yanbitang, Zaifutang, Heletang and Qingyatang can be seen everywhere. Wood carving, brick carving, stone carving, plastic carving and color painting are all exquisite. There are calligraphy and stone carvings by famous artists such as Dong Qichang, Zheng Banqiao, Tang Bohu and Wen Zhiming in the former residence, and two exquisite mahogany official sedan chairs in the sedan chair hall are worth appreciating.
Hu Xueyan introduced:
Hu Xueyan (1823- 1885), whose real name is Hu, was born in Jixi, Huizhou, Anhui, and moved to Hangzhou, Zhejiang at the age of 13. China is a famous red-crowned businessman, politician and representative of Huizhou merchants in modern times.
In the 11th year of Xianfeng in Qing Dynasty (186 1), the Taiping Army attacked Hangzhou, and Hu Xueyan transported arms and grain from Shanghai to support the Qing army, which was appreciated by Zuo. Later, he helped the left organization "Chang Jiejun" and founded Fuzhou Shipping Bureau.
When Zuo Xizheng conquered Agubai, he presided over the affairs of Shanghai Mining Bureau for him, borrowed foreign money in Shanghai for five times, collected military salaries, ordered arms and did intelligence work. He often reports important news from Shanghai and foreign circles to the left. When it is popular, the official lives in the second class and enjoys the yellow jacket.
With excellent business ability, Hu Xueyan used the official bank to set up private banks in Shanghai, and later set up "Fukang" bank semicolons all over the country, which was known as the "living god of wealth". Hu Qingyutang, a Chinese medicine shop, was founded in Hangzhou, and made "Wuwen Pill", "Xingjun Powder" and "Babao Pill" according to the needs of the military and civilians. Drugstores have spread to this day and won the reputation of "Jiangnan drug king".