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The Former Residence of Li Hongzhang has been named as a 2013 "Hefei service brand", and is the only tourism attraction to obtain such recognition among winning enterprises.
As a well-known cultural attraction in Hefei, Anhui province, the Former Residence of Li Hongzhang has been nominated as a brand building, and repeatedly won Hefei Tourism’s "Advanced unit" honorary title. The "Hefei service brand" award is a recognition of its services.
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), concurrently with Northern Minister. 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 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 an open-door policy in China.” He died in 1901 in Beijing and was buried in Hefei.
This former residence, which is about 2000 square meters (about 21.5 thousand square feet), is only part of them. The houses are typically late Qing style. Li's former residence has been open to the public since September 27, 1999 and 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, and is a key cultural relic site under the protection of Anhui’s provincial government.
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