Sheng Xuanhuai 盛宣怀

Sheng Xuanhuai (November 4, 1844—April 27, 1916) was the Minister of Transportation of the Qing Empire. He was also known as Sheng Gongbao (Chinese:盛宫保; pinyin:Shèng Gōngbǎo).

Sheng was born into a family of officials, and was the eldest of six children. Sheng's father was also a close friend of General Li Hongzhang. In 1870, Li appreciated Sheng's talent, employed him as his aide and soon became his chief economic deputy. Sheng recommended that Li build more merchant ships in order to fund the military ships that the Qing government needed. Sheng's suggestion was accepted and from then on Sheng became well known for his career in ship building.