Sheng Xuanhuai (1844-1916) was the minister of transportation during the Qing Empire. He is one the key person in China’s early industrialization. Before Zhang Zhidong became the viceroy of Hubei and Hunan, Sheng employed foreigners to investigate iron mine in Daye.

Zhang Zhidong invited Sheng to Hubei for the development Hanyang Iron Plant whose abilities were strong approved by Zhang.

But Sheng Xuanhuai’s influence was mainly felt in the southern part of China, specifically in Shanghai. He founded the famous Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the first southern university with an emphasis in mechanical engineering, architecture and Western military equipment. He is sometimes regarded as the "Shanghai's brain".