Li Hongzhang’s Former Residence is located in the bustling middle section of Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street in Hefei City, and it is a typical residential architecture of the late Qing Dynasty in the Huai River basin. Li Hongzhang, born in Hefei, was a prominent military and political figure in the late Qing Dynasty. His five brothers also held high positions, and at that time, the Li family’s residence was known as ‘Half a Street of Li Mansions’. Unfortunately, only a few rooms remain today, covering less than one-twelfth of the original area. The exquisite wood carvings in the former residence are truly admirable, and the exhibitions about Li Hongzhang in various halls evoke mixed feelings about his controversial life.
The architecture of the former residence is arranged from south to north as follows: the main gate, the front hall, the middle hall, and the ‘Zouma Building’ (Young Ladies’ Building). The front hall features the ‘Exhibition of Li Hongzhang’s Life’, which displays Li Hongzhang’s life of ‘youthful scholarly examinations, middle-aged military service, middle-aged territorial governance, and old-age foreign affairs’ through text, images, and physical exhibits. The middle hall, named ‘Fushou Hall’, is the place for receiving guests, arranged like a living room, with beautiful patterns on the wooden furniture and every window. The eastern and western wings of the middle hall are the study rooms. The hallway between the middle hall and the Zouma Building features the ‘Li Hongzhang’s Calligraphy Exhibition’, where visitors can appreciate his vigorous and powerful calligraphy. The Zouma Building is the essence of the entire former residence, a ‘Hui’ shaped wooden building. The first floor has the ‘Li Hongzhang and the China Merchants Bureau’ exhibition, and the second floor is the young ladies’ boudoir. The embroidered bed, dressing table, and round stool on the upper floor behind the Zouma Building are all made of rosewood, with the embroidered bed being particularly valuable, said to be carved from a whole tree. The former residence features exquisite wood carvings, with fine patterns on the door covers, beds, platforms, and stools. It is said that the eastern part of the second floor is the residence of Li Hongzhang’s youngest daughter, who is also the grandmother of Eileen Chang, known as Ju Cou. To the east of the main building of the former residence is the exhibition hall, which features the ‘Huai Army Group and China’s Modernization’ exhibition. The Huai Army led by Li Hongzhang is displayed with armor and weapons from that time, as well as a five-colored imperial edict written in both Manchu and Han scripts. Opening hours: The site is open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00; closed all day on Mondays throughout the year; open from 09:00 to 17:00 on New Year’s Day, Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day; closed all day on Chinese New Year’s Eve. Service facilities: WIFI is available with the account ‘LiFu’ and password ‘19011107’, covering the entire scenic area. Guided tours are provided with a fee of 100 yuan per session, limited to 20 people per session (including 20 people). Self-guided tour devices are available for 10 yuan per person. Restrooms are located throughout the park with directional signs. A convenience store is available at the exit, selling only drinks and mineral water.
