
Yilu, also known as Pan's House, is located at No. 75 Beishan Road , Hangzhou . Its owner is Pan Zhiquan, a wealthy businessman in Shanghai . Pan was the comprador of the British firm Jardine Matheson in Shanghai . The stone tablets of " Yilu " and " Panjie " can still be found today . After liberation, Yilu was taken over as state-owned assets and was once the office of the Hangzhou United Front Work Department.
The building is a two-story, two-bay brick and wood structure with exposed brick walls and a sloping roof with flat tiles. There is a colonnade downstairs and a terrace upstairs. There are 8 spacious rooms in the building with wooden floors and walls, and the construction area is nearly 300 square meters.
Outside the building are ancient and valuable trees, rockeries and fish ponds. Among them are an ancient camphor tree , four golden pines , a 210 -year-old catalpa tree, and many pine, cypress, wintersweet and osmanthus trees. It looks like a " forest residence " ; behind the house is a cliff, and a large pool has been built to collect mountain springs.
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Recommended playing time: less than half an hour
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Yilu Pan's Residence is a historic villa in Hangzhou, representing early 20th-century Chinese residential architecture. It is significant for its connection to Yilu Pan, an influential figure in the region, and showcases the lifestyle of Hangzhou's elite families of that era.
The residence is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Visitors can reach it by taxi, ride-hailing services, or local bus. Walking from nearby attractions is feasible, especially for those staying in central Hangzhou.
Typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are weekday mornings for a quieter experience and better photography lighting.
Entry is often free, but special exhibitions or events may have a small ticket fee. Tickets, if required, can usually be purchased onsite or through official cultural attraction websites.
Advance booking is not generally necessary unless visiting special exhibitions or joining guided tours, in which case booking a few days ahead is recommended.
About 1–2 hours to fully explore the villa, gardens, and immediate surroundings.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese. English-language options might be limited and should be checked in advance.
Start at the entrance, explore the main halls, then walk through the gardens and courtyards. Finish with a stroll around the surrounding area to see the villa in context with nearby historic sites.
Night visits are generally not available. Occasional cultural events or exhibitions may be held during the day.
Weekdays are least crowded; weekends and public holidays tend to attract more visitors.
Facilities are basic. Nearby cafes and cultural centers provide food, drinks, and rest areas. Public toilets may be available along the street or in nearby attractions.
Most areas are accessible for elderly and children. Some older sections may have steps or uneven flooring, so caution is advised for disabled visitors.
Cash may be useful for small purchases. Cards and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted in nearby facilities.
Nearby cafes and restaurants serve local Hangzhou cuisine, snacks, and refreshments. Options range from casual eateries to tea houses.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby restaurants. Vegan and halal options may require prior confirmation.
Several boutique hotels and mid-range accommodations are located near central Hangzhou and Beishan Road.
Nearby shops offer Hangzhou tea, local crafts, and cultural souvenirs.
Taxi, ride-hailing apps, or public buses connect to West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and other nearby attractions. Walking and cycling are also convenient for exploring nearby sites.