Prince Gong's Mansion is located at Qianhai Xijie to the north of Shichahai, to the northwest of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Sole prince's mansion
open to the public, and it is the most well preserved mansion in Beijing.

This splendid imperial residence was built in 1777, and it has belonged to several people. It was
originally the private residence of He Shen, a infamously corrupt Manchu official of Emperor
Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The aging Qianlong did nothing to curb Heshen’s
corruption but his successor, Emperor Jiaqing (1796-1820), had Heshen executed and his
property. The mansion was passed to Prince Qing in 1799. Eventually, the mansion was
bestowed upon Prince Gong by Emperor Xianfeng (1851-1862), hence the name.

Princes Gong’s Mansion is a traditional courtyard mansion of a style that was so popular in
imperial Beijing. The complex covers a total area of 60,000 square meters. It is composed of
three complexes of buildings: central, eastern and western. Upon entering the main gate, the
visitor can see magnificent buildings stand to the fore of the mansion on three axes in traditional
Chinese style. The main, central section comprises the major hall, a rear hall and an extended
pavilion that has some 40 rooms. Each of the eastern and western sections contains three smaller courtyards.

The garden in Prince Gong’s Mansion is known as Jincui Yuan, meaning concentrated cream of
the most beautiful flowers, and is of high standing on account of its layout and distinct design. The
garden covers 28,000 square meters, and includes twenty scenic spots, each widely different from
the others. In addition to its artificial hill, trees, flowers, pavilions and terraces, the garden also
contains the unique feature of its own theater. Here, people can enjoy Kunqu, Peking Opera and
Imperial music, a unique experience full of Qing historical significance.

This fine example of ancient Chinese architecture with its cultural connotations is important not only
for its aesthetic value but as an asset to those who wish to study the lifestyle of the privileged
classes in the feudal society of a bygone era.