Former Residence of Lei Lütai, Historical residence in Pingyao, China.

The former residence of Lei Lütai is a traditional Chinese dwelling in Pingyao with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The building combines brick, stone, and wood in typical Qing-era architecture, featuring a prominent central structure called Jinyuan Tower.

Lei Lütai founded Rishengchang, China's first banking house, and built this residence during the Qing Dynasty. His role as a financial innovator shaped not only his home but also the economic development of the region.

The house shows how wealthy Shanxi merchants lived and worked, with traditional rooms that reflect their daily life and family bonds. The arrangement of spaces and crafted details reveal the habits and values of these traders.

The residence is at No. 11 Shuyuan Street inside Pingyao's walled old city, in Jinzhong, Shanxi. The compound faces south and is split into two main courtyards and two side courtyards, so allow time to walk through both. Jinyuan Tower, the two-storey main hall, is reached from the main courtyard.

This house is the only one among more than 400 historical houses in Pingyao's old city that visitors can actually enter and explore. This exclusivity makes it a rare window into the private world of wealthy merchants.