Former Residence of Hu Xueyan

The Former Residence of Hu Xueyan stands out for the intricate, imported red sandalwood carvings covering its interior beams and pillars. Hu Xueyan was a legendary nineteenth century merchant who gained immense wealth as a government supplier and financier. He spent three years constructing this private estate, incorporating elaborate rock gardens and a western-style pavilion into traditional courtyard architecture. After his financial empire collapsed in eighteen eighty-three, the residence passed through various owners, eventually losing much of its original luster to decades of neglect.