Hu Xueyan

Hu Xueyan (1823-1885) was a notable businessman in China during the latter Qing Dynasty. He was smart, diligent, honest and generous, having a good relationship with Zuo Zongtang, a Chinese statesman and military leader. Hu was active in banking, real estate, shipping and Chinese medicine, and was also involved in the trading of salt, tea, clothing, grain and arms. He was known as the only person of the merchant class in the Qing Dynasty to be awarded a red-topped hat, which indicated an officer of the second grade in the Qing imperial court.