Prince Gong's Mansion Museum is located at No. 17 Qianhai West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, on the south bank of Shichahai. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a first-class national museum, and a key cultural relic protection unit in China. As the largest royal mansion of the Qing Dynasty, it covers an area of approximately 61,120 square meters, with the mansion itself occupying 32,260 square meters and the garden covering 28,860 square meters. The architecture features a regular layout, exquisite craftsmanship, and intertwined pavilions, making it the best-preserved royal mansion extant. It integrates the grandeur of the imperial family with the elegant simplicity of folk culture, divided into three sections—east, middle, and west—with over 30 architectural complexes.
Historical and Cultural Background
Construction of Prince Gong's Mansion began during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. From 1780 to 1799, it served as the private residence of He Shen, Grand Secretary of the Qing court. In 1799, after He Shen's confiscation, the mansion was awarded to Yonglin, younger brother of Emperor Jiaqing and Prince Qingxi. In 1850, during the Daoguang reign, Prince Gong (Yixin) became its third owner, renaming it Prince Gong's Mansion. From 1937 to 1952 (the early days of the People's Republic), it was part of Furen University, which altered some halls. In 1962, Premier Zhou Enlai proposed preserving the mansion for public access. Listed as a key national cultural relic in 1982, its garden opened in 1988, and the entire mansion fully opened in 2008 after renovations. Witnessing the Qing Dynasty's rise and fall, it is said that "Prince Gong's Mansion contains half of Qing history."
Main Attractions
Silver Throne Hall
Also known as the Silver Audience Hall, this main ceremonial building of the mansion was destroyed by fire in 1921 and reconstructed. With green glazed tiles, a glazed roof ridge, and decorative ornaments, it forms a spacious central courtyard with east and west auxiliary halls, exuding grandeur.
Jiale Hall
The last main hall on the central axis, this five-bay structure with a hard gable roof served as He Shen's study and later as a sacrificial hall for Prince Gong, housing ancestral and divine tablets.
Duofu Studio
The east route's front courtyard reception hall features a 200-year-old wisteria vine. Comprising the main house, side rooms, moon platform, and wing rooms, its layout is highly structured.
Letao Hall
The east route's rear courtyard main house, serving as Prince Gong's living quarters.
Baoguang Chamber
A west courtyard complex, once Prince Gong's reception hall, with original painted ceilings and gold-brick floors. It now exhibits the mansion's historical evolution.
Xijin Studio
Modeled after the Hall of Joyful Longevity in the Forbidden City, this hall features golden nanmu columns and "Zhou-style" celestial towers. Its unique structure exemplifies He Shen's architectural overstepping of imperial norms.
Back Covering Building
A 156-meter-long two-story structure with 88 rear windows and 108 rooms (known as "99.5 rooms" in Taoist symbolism). The first floor connects to the garden, with a central Buddhist hall once rumored to be He Shen's treasure vault.
Western-style Gate
The garden's main entrance, a white marble arched gate blending Western architectural style with Chinese landscaping.
Solitary Joy Peak
A Taihu stone in the garden, resembling Guanyin with a child, purchased by He Shen from southern China.
Bat Pond
Shaped like a bat, this pond in the garden symbolizes wealth and good fortune.
Good Fortune Stele
Imperial calligraphy by Kangxi, subtly incorporating the characters for "son, field, talent, longevity, and fortune." Sealed with Kangxi's imperial stamp, it is hidden in the garden's northern rockery—photography is prohibited.
Culinary Delights
Sugar-Coated Hawthorn Skewers
A traditional Beijing street snack sold by vendors in the mansion, featuring fruit skewers dipped in crystallized sugar, offering a sweet-tart flavor.
Lǘ Dǎgǔn (Donkey Rolling)
A classic Beijing pastry made from glutinous rice rolls stuffed with sweet bean paste, named for its resemblance to a rolling donkey. Soft and not overly sweet, it is popular among visitors.
Lǔzhǔ Huǒshāo (Stewed Pork Intestines with Baked Bread)
An authentic Beijing specialty with high cost-performance, though queues form during meals. Recommended spots include Yaoji Chǎogān (Fried Liver) Restaurant (¥32/person, try fried liver, stewed intestines, and scallion pork buns) and Chátāng Lǐ (Tea Soup Li) near the Drum Tower (¥50/person, famous for tea soup, door-nail meat patties, and almond tofu).
Zhájiàng Miàn (Noodles with Soybean Paste)
A staple Beijing dish widely popular near Prince Gong's Mansion.
Tickets
Admission is ¥40/person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "恭王府博物馆" in WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
8:30–17:00 (last entry at 16:10). Closed Mondays (except legal holidays).
Tour Itineraries
1-Hour Itinerary: Front Gate → Silver Throne Hall → Baoguang Chamber → Xijin Studio → Back Covering Building → Western-style Gate → Solitary Joy Peak → Bat Pond → Good Fortune Stele → Fangtang Water Pavilion → Yuguan (Jade Pass) → Archery Range.
2-Hour Itinerary: Front Gate → Silver Throne Hall → Jiale Hall → Baoguang Chamber → Xijin Studio → Back Covering Building → Western-style Gate → Solitary Joy Peak → Bat Pond → Anshan Hall → Flowing Cup Pavilion → Bamboo Courtyard → Peony Garden → Yishen Studio → Bat Hall → Pingbu Qingyun Path → Moon-Inviting Platform → Dicui Rock → Good Fortune Stele → Fangtang Water Pavilion → Miaoxiang Pavilion → Dragon King Temple → Archery Range → Letao Hall → Duofu Studio.
Half-Day Itinerary: Front Gate → Silver Throne Hall → Jiale Hall → Baoguang Chamber → Xijin Studio → Back Covering Building → Western-style Gate → Solitary Joy Peak → Bat Pond → Anshan Hall → Flowing Cup Pavilion → Vegetable Garden → Flowered Gate → Bamboo Courtyard → Peony Garden → Yishen Studio → Bat Hall → Pingbu Qingyun Path → Moon-Inviting Platform → Dicui Rock → Good Fortune Stele → Poetry Boat → Lingdao Scenery → Fangtang Water Pavilion → Miaoxiang Pavilion → Yuguan → Dragon King Temple → Archery Range → Letao Hall → Duofu Studio → Chinese Traditional Craftsmanship Exhibition Hall.
Transportation
- Subway: Line 6 to Beihai North Station, Exit B (northeast).
- Bus: Routes 3, 4, 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 612, or Sightseeing Line 3 to Beihai North Gate Station.
Must-See Attractions
- Silver Throne Hall: The mansion's main hall, showcasing imperial grandeur.
- Xijin Studio: Nanmu wood carvings and architecture reflecting He Shen's political overreach.
- Good Fortune Stele: Kangxi's calligraphy, known as the "Number One Fortune in China," with hidden characters and cultural symbolism.
- Back Covering Building: The "99.5 Rooms" structure, a witness to Qing history with unique architectural scale.
- Western-style Gate: A fusion of Western and Chinese aesthetics, the garden's iconic entrance.
Visitor Tips
- Research the mansion's history beforehand for a deeper experience.
- Avoid peak seasons and visit in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Choose the half-day itinerary for a comprehensive tour if time allows.
- Rent an audio guide or hire a guide to understand historical contexts.
- Respect cultural relics—do not touch or climb on exhibits.
Precautions
- Adhere to opening hours and enter before 16:10.
- No photography at the Good Fortune Stele; avoid flash photography elsewhere to protect relics.
- No smoking or eating in the scenic area; keep the environment clean.
- Secure personal belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Follow staff instructions; do not enter closed areas.