Hu Xueyan's Former Residence
Step back into 19th-century Hangzhou at Hu Xueyan's Former Residence, a beautifully restored mansion showcasing Qing Dynasty grandeur and serene garde...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Hu Xueyan's Former Residence
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into 19th-century Hangzhou at Hu Xueyan's Former Residence, a beautifully restored mansion showcasing Qing Dynasty grandeur and serene gardens.
"A beautiful 19th-century home with amazing architecture! Really love the water areas and all the attention to detail."
🎯 Affordable Entry
Tickets are only 20 Yuan, offering incredible value for a historical immersion.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive residence and gardens.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Pond
Central Courtyard
A breathtaking centerpiece reflecting the mansion's exquisite oriental design and Hu Xueyan's love for nature.
Intricate Architecture
Throughout the Residence
Marvel at the sophisticated interior design, detailed stonework, and elegant furniture, showcasing high Qing Dynasty style.
Wives' Villas & Gardens
Separate Sections
Explore the distinct living spaces of Hu Xueyan's thirteen wives, each with its own charming garden.
The Historic Kitchen
Kitchen Area
A fascinating glimpse into the culinary operations of a wealthy 19th-century household.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
A Journey Through Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Entry
Tickets are only 20 Yuan, offering incredible value for a historical immersion.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive residence and gardens.
Hu Xueyan Mansion
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate design and serene pond offer fantastic photo opportunities.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least two hours to fully appreciate the architecture and ambiance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Entry
Tickets are only 20 Yuan, offering incredible value for a historical immersion.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive residence and gardens.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate design and serene pond offer fantastic photo opportunities.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least two hours to fully appreciate the architecture and ambiance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hu Xueyan's Former Residence for its stunning architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent value. The beautifully restored mansion and its serene central pond are frequently highlighted as major attractions, offering an immersive journey into 19th-century Hangzhou. Some find the rooms a bit repetitive, but the overall attention to detail and historical ambiance are highly appreciated.
"A really nice visit during my stay in Hangzhou. The house is renovated nicely, the architecture and setup are really giving an acient time ambiance, providing the experience of travelling back in time. The highlight of the house is truly the pond, really beautiful and peaceful. Other rooms are also impressive with sophisticated interior design and furniture, even though they're a bit repetitve but always consistent, making an awe towards the attention to details for the construction of the house. Highly recommended if you're looking for a half-day activity in Hangzhou."
Huong Pham
"We were blessed to look into the past as we walked the halls and garden of the former residence of Hu Xueyen. He was one of the richest man in Hangzhou with 13 wives. The villas of the wives were separated with small gardens. And a huge pond sits in the middle of the property. It is a beautiful house especially during the period it was built."
Travel Tan
"Excellent visit. I really enjoyed myself as the mansion is beautiful. I could imagine how beautiful and richly decorated in its prime. I love the center court with its oriental design. Lots of rocks and passages, indicating that Hue was a nature lover.
Look at the photos which tell a better story."
Tan TM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The residence is accessible by public transport. Many visitors take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to the entrance. Buses also serve the area, making it a convenient half-day trip from other parts of Hangzhou.
Yes, it's a well-known historical site in Hangzhou. Look for signs directing you to the 'Hu Xueyan Gu Ju' (胡雪岩故居).
The residence is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through various rooms and gardens.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is very affordable at 20 Yuan per person, making it an excellent value for experiencing historical architecture.
The residence is typically open daily, but it's always a good idea to check the latest hours before your visit, especially during holidays.
Tickets are usually available for purchase at the entrance. Advance booking is generally not required for this attraction.
While not always advertised, inquire at the entrance about the possibility of guided tours or audio guides to enhance your understanding of the history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautifully restored mansion, including the central courtyard with its pond, the living quarters of Hu Xueyan and his wives, and the historical kitchen. The architecture and gardens are the main attractions.
Most visitors find that 1.5 to 2 hours is sufficient to explore the entire residence and gardens thoroughly.
Absolutely! The intricate details, the serene pond, and the traditional architecture make it a very photogenic location.
The experience is primarily immersive, allowing you to walk through the historical spaces. While not strictly interactive, the detailed furnishings and layout offer a deep dive into the past.
The central pond is a highlight, reflecting the mansion's oriental design and Hu Xueyan's appreciation for nature. It's a peaceful and visually stunning element of the residence.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the residence itself. However, numerous restaurants and eateries are located nearby in Hangzhou.
You'll find a wide variety of local Hangzhou cuisine and other Chinese dishes in the surrounding area.
📸 📸 Photography
The central pond, the detailed stonework, the elegant courtyards, and the traditional furniture are all excellent subjects for photography.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the residence and gardens. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in sensitive areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as a journey back in time to meet a wealthy merchant and his many wives. The affordable ticket price makes it an accessible outing. Encourage kids to look for interesting details in the architecture and gardens, turning the visit into a scavenger hunt for historical discoveries.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic lunch enjoyed in a nearby park, or explore the local eateries for affordable and authentic Hangzhou cuisine. The low entry fee makes it easy to fit into any itinerary, providing immense value for the experience.
couples
Enjoy the quiet elegance of the residence, imagining life in a bygone era together. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon, offering a break from the city's hustle and bustle and a chance to connect amidst historical beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Life of Hu Xueyan
His life was marked by both incredible success and eventual downfall. Despite his riches, political shifts and financial mismanagement led to his decline. Visiting his former residence offers a tangible connection to this fascinating historical figure and the era in which he lived, providing insights into the lifestyle of Hangzhou's elite during the 19th century.
Architectural Marvels of the Qing Dynasty
The layout of the residence is also significant, with separate courtyards and living quarters for Hu Xueyan's thirteen wives, each designed with a degree of privacy and individual charm. This arrangement speaks to the social customs and family structures of the time. The overall atmosphere is one of refined elegance and quiet grandeur, offering visitors a serene glimpse into the past.
A Photographer's Paradise
Explore the various gardens and courtyards to capture the interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant greenery, and the traditional oriental design elements. The distinct architectural styles of the wives' villas also offer unique perspectives. Remember to be respectful of the historical site and other visitors while you capture the beauty of this well-preserved Qing Dynasty gem.
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