Casa do Mandarim was the home of Zheng Guanying, one of the most important and influential reformers of the late Qing Dynasty. His financial experience as a merchant for most of his life made him seek ways to better his country. Born in 1842, he wanted to save China from the economic dominance of Western colonial powers that were gradually taking it over . He advocated for a policy of economic nationalism, which meant focusing on enriching the nation through internal economic activity by the Chinese population. He also argued for women’s rights, and a government shift from an imperial monarchy to a parliamentary democracy. He would die in 1922, sadly much before China’s eventual rise.