Back in 1999, Jack Ma was living in a modest apartment in Hangzhou, China, when the concept of Alibaba struck him. Little did he know that this simple idea would transform into one of the world’s largest tech giants, making him a billionaire multiple times over. Similar to the iconic garages where tech giants like Hewlett-Packard, Apple, and Google were born, Jack Ma’s apartment has become a pilgrimage site for tech enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the origins of Alibaba.

During a recent exclusive tour with CNBC, a determined South Korean journalist was spotted trying to gain access, underscoring the reverence that this location holds. Yet, unlike those historical garages turned museums, Jack Ma’s apartment remains a living tribute. It’s not a dusty relic; it’s an active hub.

Years ago, Ma made a strategic decision to invite his most talented programmers, web designers, and product managers to return to the very place where his journey began. His intention was to tap into the creative energy of the location and inspire his team to develop the next groundbreaking Alibaba product. It turns out that this unconventional approach yielded remarkable results. Some of the company’s most profitable ventures, such as Alipay, TMall, and Taobao, were conceived and launched within the walls of this unassuming apartment, generating billions in revenue.

The six-room apartment is a long cry from the high-tech amenities of Alibaba’s new campus. The modern fitness center, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, foosball and pool tables, as well as the many on-site eateries and cafes, are all available to employees. When we covered Singles’ Day on November 11, the on-campus Starbucks was packed with staff.

However, the young people we met with at Lakeside Gardens claimed that they preferred working in Ma’s old residence to the brand-new campus.

Product manager Chen Hang was questioned by CNBC’s David Faber about that last week while we were at the residence.

“Do employees enjoy their jobs here? in the residence? The corporate office is lovely. You have a gym, and you can play pool and ping-pong. Nothing is here,” Faber remarked.

Chen answered quickly and simply, “Working here is an honor for everyone.”

The group of 30 will work and eat closely together for ten months in the same cramped kitchen where Ma and his wife prepared meals.

These smart, creative minds standing where another brilliant, creative genius later invented what is now Alibaba was a bizarre sight.

People were squished together in front of laptops when CNBC visited. A few folks were resting their heads on the table to recharge for the long day ahead. According to Chen, his team works roughly 13 hours a day, seven days a week. On the weekends, they work a little outside the flat.

Images of Ma’s early life are displayed on the wall, obviously intended to motivate everyone in the residence. Despite his seldom appearances, there is a note from the founder and chairman that was scrawled on the wall on March 15, 2008. The literal translation is “The company’s core goal is to continue growing.”

Prophetic comments from the man who rose to become the richest man in China from this small flat on Wen Yi West Road.