Prince Gong's Mansion
Prince Gong's Mansion is one of the best-preserved royal residences in Beijing, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Qing Dynasty nobility. Built in the mid-19th century for Prince Gong, the brother of Emperor Xianfeng, this expansive complex covers approximately 60,000 square meters. The mansion is renowned for its exquisite traditional Chinese architectural design, featuring intricate gardens, elegant pavilions, and beautifully decorated courtyards. Each section of the mansion reflects the sophisticated aesthetic and cultural values of the Qing aristocracy. Visitors can explore various halls, study the detailed wooden carvings, appreciate the classical garden design, and learn about the complex social hierarchy and lifestyle of imperial China.
Information
Ticket price
Time
Location
17 Qianhai W St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
View maps
More about the trip
🏮 Quintessential Qing Dynasty Lifestyle
Best-Preserved Royal Residence: Experience aristocratic life in this magnificent mansion built for Prince Gong, Emperor Xianfeng's brother. A perfect example of traditional Chinese residential architecture and garden design.
🏛️ Architectural Masterpiece
- Front Mansion: Ceremonial halls and reception areas with intricate decorations
- Rear Garden: Classical Chinese garden with pavilions, rock formations, and ponds
- East and West Courtyards: Private living quarters showcasing family hierarchy
- Grand Opera Stage: Private theater where Peking Opera was performed for royalty
🎭 Cultural Immersion
- Peking Opera Performances: Traditional shows in the historic theater (check schedule)
- Tea Ceremony Demonstrations: Learn about Chinese tea culture in authentic setting
- Calligraphy Workshops: Practice traditional Chinese writing arts
- Guided Tours: English-speaking guides explain aristocratic customs and architecture
🌸 Garden Highlights
- "Fu" Stele: The only surviving stele written by Emperor Kangxi
- Dripping Emerald Grotto: Artificial cave with unique acoustics
- Moongate Passages: Circular doorways frame beautiful garden views
- Seasonal Flowers: Magnolia, peony, and lotus bloom throughout the year
⏰ Visit Strategy
- Duration: 2-3 hours including garden stroll and cultural activities
- Best Times: Morning (9-11 AM) or afternoon (2-4 PM) for fewer crowds
- Seasonal Beauty: Spring and autumn offer the best garden scenery
📚 Historical Context
Prince Gong played a crucial role in late Qing Dynasty politics and foreign relations. The mansion reflects the wealth and sophistication of the imperial family during China's final dynasty.
💡 Visitor Tips
- Combine with nearby Shichahai lakes area for a full cultural day
- The mansion inspired settings in the famous novel "Dream of the Red Chamber"
- Photography is allowed in gardens but restricted in some indoor areas
- Visit during festivals for special cultural performances and exhibitions
Related Tour Packages
Beijing 1-Day Cultural and Culinary Trip around the Forbidden City
This itinerary revolves around the Forbidden City Then, it goes to Zhang Zizhong Road Food Street to taste delicious food, followed by a visit to Prince Gong's Mansion, which bears half of the history of the Qing Dynasty, and finally a stroll in Shichahai to feel the living atmosphere and historical charm of old Beijing. It perfectly combines historical culture with food and leisure experiences.
Beijing 1-Day Exploration Tour of Mansions, Gardens and Cuisines
This itinerary starts from Prince Gong's Mansion, allowing for an in - depth understanding of the culture of the mansions in the Qing Dynasty. Then, it tastes a wide variety of traditional Beijing snacks in Huguo Temple Snack Street, Finally goes to the Summer Palace to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the royal garden.
Beijing 1-Day Hutong Culture and Mansion Exploration Tour
This itinerary starts from the simple, unsophisticated and grand Drum Tower. Through a home visit to an old Beijing Siheyuan family, tourists can deeply experience the lifestyle and cultural traditions of old Beijing. Then, visit Prince Gong's Mansion, which bears half of the history of the Qing Dynasty. Finally, take a stroll in Shichahai to feel its unique historical charm and the living atmosphere of old Beijing. It is a wonderful journey to deeply explore the traditional culture of Beijing.
Beijing Essence: Where Emperors Walked & Dynasties Thrived
Uncover the soul of China's capital: from ancient dynasties to modern marvels.
Related attractions
Dashilar
A 500-year-old cultural history district. Daguaren Street was originally called Liangfang Fourth Lane and has a history of nearly 500 years. It is also one of the first batches of Chinese historical and cultural districts in Xicheng District. It‘s a traditional commercial area in Beijing, formerly known as "Four Courtyards Lane."Daguaren was first built in the 14th year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1420). At that time, it was called Liangfang Fourth Lane; in the first year of Hongzhi of the Ming Dynasty (1488), a fence was set up at the entrance of the alley, so it was renamed "Daguaren". Historically, it was home to century-old brands such as Tongrentang, Ruifuzhao, and Renlinseng, which covered industries including medicine, silk, and shoes and hats, forming a commercial pattern known as "top is Ma Juyuan, bottom is Renlinseng." The street once had five opera theaters and Beijing's earliest cinema, Da Guanlou, and had both commercial and entertainment functions.
Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall
Huanghuacheng, also known as the "Water Great Wall," is a unique section of the Great Wall located about 70 kilometers north of Beijing. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this section is famous for its picturesque setting where parts of the wall are submerged in the Xishuiyu Reservoir, creating a stunning combination of mountains, water, and ancient architecture. The area is also known for its beautiful wild flowers, particularly yellow flowers that bloom in summer, giving the section its name "Yellow Flower Wall."
Jinshanling Great Wall
Jinshanling is a section of the Great Wall of China located about 130 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is known for its well-preserved original features and breathtaking mountain scenery. This section stretches for about 10.5 kilometers with 67 watchtowers and is less crowded than other sections, making it popular with hikers and photographers. The varied terrain and stunning vistas make it one of the most picturesque parts of the Great Wall.
Liao and Jin City Wall Museum
The Beijing Archaeological Site Museum preserves and displays important archaeological discoveries from Beijing's rich history. The museum features excavated artifacts, ruins, and exhibits that trace the development of human civilization in the Beijing area from prehistoric times through various dynasties. Interactive displays and detailed explanations help visitors understand the significance of these archaeological findings in the context of Chinese history.
Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site
The Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where fossils of Homo erectus pekinensis, dating back 200,000 to 700,000 years, were discovered in the 1920s and 1930s. Located about 50 kilometers southwest of Beijing, the site includes caves, archaeological excavations, and a museum displaying fossils, stone tools, and exhibits about human evolution. It provides valuable insights into prehistoric human life and evolution in East Asia.
