Prince Gong's Mansion

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Spot Introduction

Prince Gong’s Mansion, established during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, stands as a representative residence for royal family members and prominent officials. It is renowned as the “First Royal Mansion in Beijing”. Occupying an area of over 60,000 square meters, the mansion comprises two main sections: the residential area and the back garden, serving as an exemplar of Qing Dynasty royal architecture and an important testament to the culture of “Dream of the Red Mansions”.

The architectural art of Prince Gong’s Mansion is considered the pinnacle of royal mansion design in the Qing Dynasty. The residential area follows strictly the “front court, back bedchamber” layout, with a symmetrical axis from the Yin’an Hall to the Jiale Hall, exuding an aura of imperial grandeur. Every detail, from the glazed tiles on the roof to the carved beasts on the eaves, and from the colorful paintings on the ceiling to the brickwork on the floor, reflects exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural significance.

As a living fossil of Qing Dynasty royal architecture, Prince Gong’s Mansion is not only a treasure house of architectural art but also a microcosm of aristocratic life during that period. The mansion preserves a wealth of precious artifacts and documentary materials, offering a glimpse into the daily life, etiquette, and culture of the Qing Dynasty royal court. Its connection to “Dream of the Red Mansions” further establishes it as a significant site for studying the culture of Qing Dynasty nobility.

Visiting Prince Gong’s Mansion promises not only a visual feast but also a cultural immersion. Guests can stroll through the residential area, experiencing the dignity of a Qing Dynasty royal mansion, linger in the back garden, admiring the delicacy of Jiangnan-style landscaping, and explore the cultural exhibition of “Dream of the Red Mansions” to gain insights into the lives of Qing Dynasty aristocrats.

Spot Introduction

To better serve visitors, the Prince Gong’s Mansion offers various tour guides, including professional commentary, audio guides, and mobile apps, allowing visitors to deeply understand the history and culture of this mansion.

It’s worth mentioning that the Prince Gong’s Mansion has made remarkable achievements in cultural relic protection in recent years. Through technological means, many endangered cultural relics have been restored and protected. Simultaneously, the mansion has launched the “Digital Prince Gong’s Mansion” project, enabling visitors to appreciate cultural relics’ details in 360 degrees and even “walk into” some areas that are not open to the public through virtual reality technology. These innovative measures not only protect cultural relics but also allow more people to experience the charm of the Qing Dynasty mansion culture closely.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Main Courtyard

    • The essence of Qing Dynasty mansion architecture
    • Architectural layout reflecting the hierarchy system
    • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes

  2. Fuhai Garden

    • Jiangnan garden style
    • Pavilions, terraces, and towers, as well as artificial hills and water systems
    • Suggested visiting time: 50 minutes

  3. Opera Stage Building

    • Venue for Qing Dynasty opera performances
    • Well-preserved ancient building
    • Suggested visiting time: 20 minutes

  4. Dream of the Red Mansions Cultural Exhibition

    • Display of cultural relics related to Dream of the Red Mansions
    • Understanding the life of Qing Dynasty aristocrats
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • Gate → Main Courtyard → Opera Stage Building → Fuhai Garden → Dream of the Red Mansions Cultural Exhibition
    • It is recommended to visit in the order of commentary.

  2. Visiting Schedule

    • Open at 9 am, early arrival is suggested
    • Avoid weekends and holiday peaks
    • Open all year round, best in spring and autumn

  3. Practical Tips

    • It is recommended to hire a commentator or rent an audio guide
    • Pay attention to light angles when taking photos
    • Shoe covers are required in some exhibition areas

Transportation Guide

  • Subway: Take Line 6 and get off at Beihai North Station
  • Bus: Routes 5, 60, 107, 111, 118, etc.
  • Self-drive: Recommended to park at Shichahai Parking Lot
  • Touring: Can be toured in series with Shichahai Scenic Area
  1. Shichahai Snack Street
  2. Kao Rou Ji (Shichahai Branch)
  3. Huguo Temple Snacks
  4. Nanluoguxiang Food

Special Reminders

  1. No photography in indoor exhibition areas
  2. Ticket reservation is required during peak hours
  3. Shoe covers are required in some exhibition areas
  4. Please do not touch cultural relics and exhibits
  5. There is a teahouse in the garden for rest
  6. Suitable for photography, it is recommended to bring a camera.