Beijing Li Hongzhang Ancestral Hall

Beijing Li Hongzhang Ancestral Hall

The Beijing Li Hongzhang Ancestral Hall is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Li Hongzhang Ancestral Hall is located at No. 27 Xizongbu Hutong, Dongcheng District. Li Hongzhang (1823–1901), a native of Hefei, Anhui, was a successful candidate in the imperial examination during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. He served as Governor-General of Huguang, Governor-General of Zhili and concurrently as Minister of Beiyang Trade, and was posthumously honored with the title "Wenzhong." He was the only Han Chinese official in the Qing Dynasty to have an ancestral hall built in the capital. Major structures include the ceremonial gate, the main hall, east and west side rooms, and a stele pavilion, among others. The main hall and east and west side rooms still remain.

Li Hongzhang (February 15, 1823 – November 7, 1901), also known by his courtesy name Shaolian and literary name Yisu, and by the aliases Li Zhongtang and Zhangtong, was a prominent statesman in the late Qing Dynasty. He served as Governor-General of Zhili and Minister of Beiyang Trade, and was ennobled as the First Class Marquis of Suyi. Li Hongzhang, along with Zeng Guofan, Zhang Zhidong, and Zuo Zongtang, was known as one of the "Four Great Ministers of China's Late Qing Revival," and alongside Bismarck and Grant, he was referred to as one of the "Three Great Figures of the Nineteenth Century." During his tenure, he suppressed the Taiping Rebellion, participated in the Self-Strengthening Movement, actively advocated for the establishment of a modern navy and the creation of the Beiyang Fleet; yet ultimately had to sign the Treaty of Tientsin as a diplomatic representative...  More details about Li Hongzhang++