Former Residence of Hu Xueyan – residence of a rich merchant from the Qing Dynasty
Last Update: 9th October 2020
Originally built in 1872, the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan was completed in 1875. The construction area is 5,815 square meters. It is a fusion of the traditional Chinese style and the Western style.
Former Residence of Hu Xueyan Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Huxueyan Guju (胡雪岩故居)
- Area: 7,200 square meters
- Things to do there: Photography, Architecture
- Who visits: Photographers, Architects
- Time required:1 – 2 x hours
Interested in visiting the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
What to expect at the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan
Precious woods are employed in the construction of Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, including ginkgo, nanmu, rosewood, Araucaria cunninghamii, and Chinese beech.
Zhiyuan Garden is decorated with the artificial hill which has the largest artificial cave. The garden reflects the characteristics of the royal garden. At that time, the building in the garden was the highest point offering the panoramic views of the Hangzhou City.
The exquisite pavilions, long corridors, and doors and windows with amazing patterns are highlights there. You’ll find fine wooden, brick, and stone carvings as well as colorful frescoes. Stone carving works by Dong Qichang (1555 – 1636), Zheng Banqiao (1693 – 1766), Tang Bohu (1470 – 1524) and Wen Zhengming (1470 – 1559) are well preserved in the residence. The blue glass windows were all imported from France by the rich man. The jar to hold the rain was entirely cast with bronze.
The sedan hall features two mahogany officer sedans to explore. The decorations there are set originally. The original luxury furniture showcases the fortune of the owner. Pavilions with stunning cornices make for great photography materials.
If you’d like to make the visit more meaningful, it is suggested that you take a guided tour. Attractive buildings plus the detailed interpretation for the structure and Hu Xueyan’s life will enrich your visit.
If you don’t want to be surrounded by the crowd, it is recommended that you visit the residence in the morning.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
Just a few buses pass by the residence. Thus, there are only a few options.
- Rent a vehicle to the residence. This is the quickest and most direct option.
- Take Bus 60, 71, 117, 127, 216, 315, 327, 334 or Bus 352 to the Stop of Huxueyan Guju (胡雪岩故居站). Then walk to the residence.
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00
- As at at 9th October 2020, the entrance ticket for the residence is 20 CNY per person; children between 1.2m tall (1.2m tall included) and 1.5m tall (1.5m tall included) are charged 10 CNY per person; children under 1.2m tall (1.2m tall not included) is free of charge. For the latest pricing, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.