Prince Gong’s Mansion

Introducing Prince Gong’s Mansion
Prince Gong’s Mansion is a museum located in Beijing. Prince Gong’s Mansion is one of the largest and most well-preserved aristocratic residences in China. Originally built for the powerful Qing official Heshen, it later became the residence of Prince Gong, a Manchu prince and influential statesman of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). The prince, who inhabited the mansion in the late 19th century, was also known as Prince Kung, reflecting an older romanization of the Chinese character “恭” used in his title, meaning “respectful.”

The mansion complex comprises elaborate courtyards, gardens, halls, and theaters, its exquisite architecture and intricate landscaping reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the late Qing era. Beyond its historical significance, the mansion offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Qing Dynasty elite and remains a popular destination for those exploring China’s rich cultural heritage.

Prince Gong’s Mansion Fast Facts
• AKA: Prince Kung’s Palace Museum
• Chinese Name: Gōng Wáng Fǔ 恭王府
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Chinese Culture and History
• Opening Hours: 8:30 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY40
• Address: 17 Qianhai West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

The History of the Prince Gong's Mansion
Prince Gong’s Mansion stands as a microcosm of China’s tumultuous transformation from imperial power to modern nation. Beginning as a symbol of extravagant corruption during the Qing Dynasty’s peak under the Qianlong Emperor, its construction in 1777 for the corrupt official Heshen foreshadowed the dynasty’s decline. Confiscated after Heshen’s execution, the mansion’s transfer to Prince Gong in 1851 marked a new era. Against the backdrop of this grand residence, Prince Gong navigated the Second Opium War, signed the Treaty of Peking, and served as Prince Regent during the tumultuous reign of the Tongzhi Emperor. The mansion witnessed the decline of the Qing, further symbolized by its mortgaging to the Catholic Church in 1921 by Prince Gong’s grandson. Throughout the 20th century, the mansion underwent a series of transformations, serving as a university annex, offices for CPC security services, and a factory. Finally, its opening to the public in 1975 solidified its role not just as a historical relic, but as a carefully curated representation of China’s imperial past, now accessible within a communist present. The architecture itself, steeped in Chinese geomancy and traditional design, further enriches the narrative embedded within its walls, offering a tangible link to centuries of Chinese history, culture, and political power.

What to Expect at Prince Gong’s Mansion
Prince Gong’s Mansion embodies the height of Qing Dynasty opulence. Its sprawling layout and intricate architecture evoke a palpable sense of imperial power, and its serene gardens offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city, hinting at the privileged life once lived within these walls.

Yin’an Hall (Silver Peace Hall)
Yin’an Hall, once the central and most important hall within Prince Gong’s Mansion, was tragically destroyed by fire during the 1921 Lantern Festival. Originally used for grand celebrations, festivals, and major ceremonies, the current hall and surrounding courtyard are a careful reconstruction of the original structure. This historic space now serves a new purpose, housing an exhibition dedicated to the cultural significance of Qing Dynasty prince estates, as well as the complex hierarchy and the power associated with the princes.

Houzhao Complex (The Treasure House)
The Houzhao Complex, connecting the residential compound and the garden of the mansion, stretches over 180 meters (590.5 ft). This structure, often referred to as the “99 and a half rooms,” holds the distinction of being the longest building among all Chinese princely residences. The complex boasts beautiful indoor gardens, incorporating pavilions, terraces, rockeries, artificial streams, and other elements, showcasing intricate architectural design. The back wall of the structure features 44 intricately designed lattice windows, each with a unique pattern. Legend has it that these numerous windows, each with a unique pattern to aid his memory, corresponded to rooms where Heshen stored his vast collection of treasures.

Since 2014, the ground floor of the Houzhao Complex has housed the exhibition “Religious Life in Prince Gong’s Mansion”. This exhibition provides an overview of the religious practices within the mansion during the time of Prince Gong, including the household’s adherence to Shamanism, Buddhism, Taoism, and other faiths.

Duofu Xuan (The Hall of Abundant Happiness)
This structure served as Prince Gong’s main reception area. Here, he received guests and housed gifts bestowed by the emperor. Known as the Duofu Xuan, meaning “a place of abundant happiness,” it prominently displays a central placard inscribed with “Tongde Yanxi 同德延禧” (Shared Virtue Extends Auspiciousness), signifying the alignment of the prince’s virtues with the emperor’s. Adorning the walls are numerous red, diamond-shaped placards bearing the characters “Fu” (Happiness) and “Shou” (Longevity), gifts inscribed by the emperor each winter. Following tradition, new characters are placed over the old, symbolizing the accumulation of blessings and years.

Baoguang Hall (Hall of Preserved Light)
Baoguang Hall served as a private reception area reserved exclusively for close family of Prince Gong and other princes. The name, “Baoguang” (Preserving Light), carries profound meaning, originating from Zhuangzi’s “Qi Wu Lun” (Equality of Things): “Pour into it, yet it is not full; ladle from it, yet it does not run dry, and one does not know its source; this is called Preserving Light.” This name was referenced by Emperor Xianfeng (1831-1861) during his visit to Prince Gong as a subtle yet regal caution against the prince’s potentially overreaching ambition. Prince Gong, acknowledging the emperor’s message, composed a written piece reflecting on its meaning and expressing his understanding.

The hall’s ceiling and beams are adorned with decorative paintings of flowers and plants set against a backdrop of auspicious clouds, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The lotus, chrysanthemum, and peach blossoms symbolize good fortune, longevity, and prosperity (through numerous offspring), respectively. Today, the main hall of Baoguang Hall houses an exhibition detailing the history of the grand mansion, titled “The Historical Evolution of Prince Gong’s Mansion.”

The Western-Style Gate
The Western-Styled Gate, located at the southern end of the mansion, is the main entrance to the garden. Modeled after a gate in the Haiyuan section of the Old Summer Palace, its distinctly Western Romanesque arched design lends it a grand and imposing presence. The pristine white marble evokes a celestial realm. This gate is considered a symbolic gateway to the outside world, reflecting a growing engagement with Western culture during a period of significant reform in China. Its presence offers a unique glimpse into this transitional period in Chinese history.

The Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House within Prince Gong’s Mansion is a remarkable example of Qing Dynasty theatrical architecture, reserved for the exclusive use of Prince Gong and his circle for operas, celebrations, and ceremonies. This brick-and-wood structure boasts exceptional acoustics – the space beneath the stage is hollowed out and filled with large jars, creating a resonating chamber that allows sound to carry so clearly throughout the theater that no amplification is needed. Every note and line reaches the audience with pristine clarity.

Stele of the Character “Fu”
This weathered stone stele, etched with the powerful brushstrokes of the Kangxi Emperor, stands as a testament to the enduring power of calligraphy. Measuring an impressive 7.9 meters (26 ft) in length, the stele’s rough-hewn surface is dominated by a single, large Chinese character: “福”, meaning “blessing” or “good fortune.” The character’s intricate strokes, forever captured in stone, seem to resonate with energy, radiating the emperor’s wish for prosperity and happiness. Today, the stele serves as a popular spot for wishing for good luck among tourists.

How to Get to Prince Gong’s Mansion
• By Bus: Take bus 60 to Gulou (Drum Tower) Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 6 to Beihaibei (Beihai North) Station.

Additional Travel Advice on Prince Gong’s Mansion
• The Prince Gong’s Mansion is closed on Mondays, except the Chinese statutory holidays.
• Visitors can walk around the neighbored Shichahai and Houhai Hutongs to experience the traditional local life.