Li Hongzhang, who styled himself Shao Quan, was born in Hefei in 1823. His highest official title was governor-general of Zhili (now Hebei province) and Northern Minister concurrently. He held key posts for forty years, traveling far and wide across East Asia and West Europe. He was in charge of both the domestic affairs and foreign affairs of the Qing Dynasty. He founded the Huai Army and initiated the Westernization Movement. He was referred to as “the first man to advocate the open-door policy in China.” He died in 1901 in Beijing and was buried in Hefei. The houses that belong to the Li family occupied a huge place. This former residence, which is about 2000 square meters (about 21.5 thousand square feet), is only part of them. The houses are typical late Qing style. Li's former residence opens to public since September 27, 1999. His former residence is located on the Huaihe Road (the mid-section) of Hefei. The entire building looks magnificent with carved beams and rafters. It is the largest existing and best preserved former residence of a VIP in Hefei. It is a key cultural relic site under the protection of Anhui provincial government. 

  Li Hongzhang
Li Hongzhang, who styled himself Shao Quan, was born in Hefei in 1823. His highest official title was governor-general of Zhili (now Hebei province) and Northern Minister concurrently. He held key posts for forty years, traveling far and wide across East Asia and West Europe. He was in charge of both the domestic affairs and foreign affairs of the Qing Dynasty. He founded the Huai Army and initiated the Westernization Movement. He was referred to as “the first man to advocate the open-door policy in China.”