Prince Gong's Mansion

Prince Gong's Mansion is located near Shichahai Lake, to the northwest of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The private residence of He Shen, a favorite minister of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was built in 1777. In 1851, the mansion was bestowed upon Prince Gong by Emperor Xianfeng (1851-1862), hence the name. Sole prince's mansion open to the public, it is the most well preserved mansion in Beijing.

It is a typical mansion featuring an axle wire and the symmetrical style. It is honored as "Pearl on Shicha Lake". There is an amazing garden in the mansion called "Cuijin Yuan" which takes up a space of around 30,000㎡. The garden is embraced by U-shaped hills, with delicate and picturesque views inside. The garden is listed as one of the National Key Protected Cultural Relics. Some Redology scholars consider the garden to be the model of Da GuanYuan in Dream of the Red Chamber.

Layout of Prince Gong's Mansion

Prince Gong's Mansion is the largest Siheyuan in the world, consisting of three parallel building groups along the eastern, middle and western axis. Gardens are laid in the most inner area of the mansion, varying from each other with peculiar views. And each part consists of several rows of siheyuan or "four-sided enclosed courtyards arranged in strict accordance with the north-south axes. Prince Kung’s Mansion as the official residence of the Prince of the Qing Dynasty is regular in layout, excellent in technology and interleaving in buildings and halls, fully representing the royal style of resplendence, wealth and honor and the private charm of elegance but simplicity.

This mansion consists of two parts: the residence and the gardens. The residence area is in the front part of the mansion and the gardens in the rear. This mansion is not only large, but also built in the highest regulations. The most obvious sign is the number of houses and the decoration of the house gate. It cover an area of 61120 square meters, of which the residence occupies an area of 32260 square meters while the gardens occupy an area of 28860 square meters. This mansion is 330m long from north to south and 180m wide from east to west.

Historical Evolution

The Heshen Period: The mansion was originally built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty as the private residence of Heshen, one of Qianlong’s most powerful and wealthy officials. Attracted by its auspicious location—surrounded by water, with views of the Western Hills and close to the imperial palace—Heshen acquired multiple properties here at a high price and merged them into his luxurious residence, known as “He Di.”

The Prince Qing Period (Yonglin): In 1799, after Heshen was accused of corruption and forced to commit suicide, Emperor Jiaqing granted the estate to his younger brother, Prince Qing Yonglin. Yonglin was considered one of the most devoted owners, spending much of his life enjoying the beauty of the mansion.

The Prince Gong Period (Yixin): In 1851, during the reign of Emperor Xianfeng, the estate was bestowed upon Prince Gong (Yixin), a prominent statesman and the leader of the Self-Strengthening Movement in the late Qing Dynasty. Prince Gong played a crucial role across four reigns—Daoguang, Xianfeng, Tongzhi, and Guangxu—holding immense power during the latter three. It was under him that the mansion earned the name Prince Gong’s Mansion.

Main Buildings of the Residence

Central Axis Buildings

• Yinan Hall (银安殿): Serving as the main hall of the mansion, this was the venue for major ceremonies and important events. The original structure was destroyed in a fire during the Lantern Festival of 1921 and later reconstructed.
• Jiale Hall（嘉乐殿）: Built during Heshen’s time, this hall was used by Prince Gong as a family ancestral hall where Shamanist rituals were performed.
• Houzhao Building (后罩楼 Hou Zhao Lou): Known as the “Treasure” of Prince Gong’s Mansion, this 180-meter-long structure connects the residence with the garden and is the longest of its kind in China. Its western section, nicknamed the “Little Maze,” features China’s only indoor garden with pavilions, rockeries, flowing water, and bridges built inside a two-story building, creating a unique miniature landscape.

Western Axis Buildings

• Baoguang Chamber（葆光室）: Originally a guest hall in Heshen and Prince Qing’s time, it later became a private reception hall for Prince Gong’s closest associates. The decorations feature auspicious motifs of flowers and clouds symbolizing peace, longevity, and prosperity.
• Xijin Studio (锡晋斋): The last courtyard on the western axis, famous for its lavish interior made of precious golden-thread nanmu wood. The floor is paved with polished volcanic “golden bricks,” making the hall comparable in splendor to the palaces of the Forbidden City.

Eastern Axis Buildings

• Duofu Pavilion（多福轩）: A passage hall used for daily receptions and storing gifts bestowed by the emperor.
• Ledao Hall（乐道堂）: Located in the fourth courtyard of the eastern axis, this hall became Prince Gong’s personal residence. He called himself the “Master of Ledao Hall,” reflecting his philosophy of living in harmony with the Dao.

Main Attractions in the Garden

Western-Style Gate 西洋门
The southern entrance of the garden, built in white marble in the European arch style, is the only Western structure in the complex. Modeled after a gate in the Old Summer Palace, it symbolizes the late Qing elite’s attempt to embrace Western culture and technology.

Dule Peak 独乐峰
A five-meter-high ornamental Taihu rock, serving both as a focal point and a screen wall within the garden. Its weathered beauty creates a poetic and artistic atmosphere.

Bat Pool (Fu Chi) 蝠池
Named for its resemblance to a bat, symbolizing good fortune. In spring, elm seeds falling into the pool resemble ancient coins, earning it the nickname “Treasure Pool.”

Anshan Hall 安善堂
The grandest hall in the garden, surrounded by scenic features like the Bat Pool, Moon-Viewing Terrace, and the grand Theater Stage. It was once a place for poetry, painting, and banquets hosted by Prince Gong.

Dripping Green Rock (Dicui Yan) 滴翠岩
A striking artificial hill behind Anshan Hall, topped with a small pavilion called Lvtian Xiaoyin. The Moon-Viewing Terrace below offers the best vantage point to admire the garden under moonlight.

Moon-Viewing Terrace (Yaoyue Tai) 邀月台
The highest point of the garden, providing sweeping views of the entire estate.

Grand Theater Stage 大戏楼
Built during the Tongzhi reign (1862–1874), this is China’s only fully enclosed royal theater stage. Ingeniously designed with resonating jars buried beneath the floor, it enhances acoustics so that every seat offers crystal-clear sound without amplification—making it one of the mansion’s most treasured features.

Travel Guide of Gong's Mansion

【How to get there】
►Take Subway Line No.6 and get off at Beihai North Station
►Take buses No. 13, 107, 111, 118, 810, 850 and get off at Dongguanfang Station
►Take buses No. 42, 701, 6 etc., then get off at Beihai North Station

【Duration】: About 3 hours is enough to explore the main residence, garden, and exhibitions at a comfortable pace.

【Opening Hours & Ticket Price】: Hours: 08:30 – 17:00; Entrance fee: CNY 40/person (for reference only, subject to the latest official updates)



【Best time to visit】
Beijing has moderate climate in spring and autumn, such as April, May, September and October, which is an ideal tourist season. Especially in autumn, the autumn sky is clear and the air is crisp. In addition, the watch points of Beijing are cultural sites, scenic construction and local customs. These are not influence by climate, so you can come in all seasons for travel. In winter, travel agencies and hotels in Beijing usually offer off-season prices, one can save a lot money.

【Nearby Attractions】: Prince Gong’s Mansion is located in the cultural heart of Beijing, it easy to combine with other famous sites: Shichahai, Beihai Park, Huguosi Street etc.