In the mid to late 19th century, Hu Xueyan (1823-1885) was the richest man in China. His former residence is located east of Hefang Street and Dajing Alley. Built in 1872, the residence occupies more than 5,815 square meters. Exquisitely composed, the living areas and grounds blend together to form an organic whole. Being the most striking of all the residences built by Chinese business magnates in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it is a classic example of a traditional private home in the south-Yangtze style.