A Must-Visit Qing Dynasty Official’s Former Residence: Li Hongzhang’s Home in Hefei

▲Li Hongzhang’s Former Residence in Hefei, Anhui Province (Photo / Screenshot from the official website of Anhui Tourism Bureau)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Li Hongzhang, a prominent Qing Dynasty official, was a native of Hefei, Anhui. His former residence in the urban area“Li Hongzhang’s Former Residence”remains well-preserved to this day. It is the largest and most intact celebrity residence in the region. The site houses comprehensive historical records, artifacts, photographs, and local materials that vividly depict the dramatic life of one of China’s most controversial figures in modern history. It is one of the must-see historical attractions for visitors.

Covering an area of about 750 pyeong, the western section consists of four courtyards with around 50 rooms. The street-front section was once used as a pawnshop, but is now occupied by shops of the Huaihe Road Department Store. The third and fourth courtyards feature a two-story U-shaped building where female family members lived, hence known as the “Young Ladies’ Building” or “Riding Horse Building.”

▲In September 2013, to enrich cultural activities for the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Li Hongzhang Former Residence Exhibition Hall specially staged a stage play titled “Mid-Autumn Gathering at the Li Mansion.” In the play, the “Lord of the Central Hall” narrated stories about the changes in Hefei.

Treasured Collections at Li Hongzhang’s Former Residence

Imperial Eulogy Stele: Placed in Li Hongzhang’s Memorial Hall, after his passing, Emperor Guangxu bestowed three consecutive imperial eulogies to show his esteem and condolences—an extremely rare honor during the Qing Dynasty.

Spirit Way Stele: The inscription was written by Wu Rulun, a renowned Qing Dynasty scholar, the calligraphy was done by Yu Shi Mei, and the stele’s title was penned by the famous calligrapher Yu Yue.