【Qing Dynasty】Hu Qing Yu Tang (Former Residence of Hu Xueyan)

Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Herbal Medicine Store, also known as Hu Qing Yu Tang National Pharmacy, was established by Hu Xueyan in the 13th year of Tongzhi reign (1874) during the Qing Dynasty with the aim of "helping the people." It was officially opened for business in a shop house in Dajing Lane during the 4th year of Guangxu reign. It is a key cultural relic under national level protection. The former residence of Hu Xueyan is located on Yuanbao Street in the eastern part of the Hefang Street and Dajing Lane historical and cultural protection area in Hangzhou. Its construction started in the 11th year of Tongzhi reign (1872) during the Qing Dynasty and was completed in 1875, which was the peak period of Hu Xueyan's career. The completed former residence is a magnificent mansion with a blend of traditional Chinese architectural features and Western architectural styles. The entire building is long from north to south and wide from east to west, covering an area of 10.8 mu and a building area of 5815 square meters.The former residence, both in terms of its architecture and interior furnishings, is considered the most luxurious mansion of a major Chinese merchant in the late Qing Dynasty.

In 2021, it was selected as one of the "Ten Representative Historical and Cultural Buildings in Hangzhou" by the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism. The reason for its selection is that Hu Qing Yu Tang and the former residence of Hu Xueyan, as private gardens of wealthy merchants, represent a concentrated display of traditional Chinese architectural art. The two buildings, with the same owner, carry rich historical and cultural information and are the most important representative buildings of Hangzhou's late Qing Dynasty industrial culture.