Xue Fucheng's former residence in Wuxi

I never expected that this mansion, known as the 'Number One Luxury House in the South of the Yangtze River' and called 'Half of Xue's City,' would have so few visitors during the National Day holiday. I didn't even want to leave after strolling around Wuxi, the 'Pearl of Taihu Lake,' is blessed with outstanding natural beauty and has produced generations of talented individuals. Among the patriotic scholars and capable people of past generations, Xue Fucheng was exceptionally distinguished. Xue Fucheng (1838-1894), styled Shuyun and also known as Yong'an, was one of China's renowned modern thinkers, diplomats, and early representatives of the reformist faction. He was diligent and pragmatic throughout his life, deeply concerned about his country and its people; he advocated learning from the West and establishing the nation on industry and commerce; he promoted reform and change, and strongly pushed for 'constitutional monarchy.' His thoughts and actions played a significant role in the modernization of Chinese society and the rise of national industry and commerce. 'Though my body perishes, my spirit remains; my fervent heart shines as bright as the daylight.' This verse was written by Xue Fucheng when he was organizing defenses in Eastern Zhejiang, in memory of the five thousand soldiers who died in the Opium War in Zhoushan. Likewise, this verse is a true reflection of his own glorious life.