Prince Gong's Mansion

Prince Gong's Mansion, aka Prince Kung's Mansion, also known as Gong Wang Fu in Chinese, is Beijing's largest and the best preserved Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) princely mansion and is located at Qianhai Xijie to the north of Shichahai. 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; it also has an interesting history.

Learning the history of Prince Gong's Mansion
                                                                                      Photos
The mansion was constructed around the year 1777 and was originally the private residence of Heshen. A member of the imperial guard, the handsome and intelligent twenty-five year old Heshen came to the attention of the Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong (1736-1796). Before long Heshen was promoted to positions normally occupied by the most experienced officials, including those controlling finance and the appointment of civil servants; thus enabling him to acquire great wealth. The aging Qianlong did nothing to curb Heshen's corruption but his successor, Emperor Jiaqing (1796-1820), had Heshen executed and his property, which was assessed at over 800 million ounces of silver, was confiscated. The mansion was passed to Prince Qing in 1799. Eventually Emperor Xianfeng (1851-1862) transferred the ownership to Prince Gong and it is his name that was to become that of the mansion.

The dwelling 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 (14.9 acres). Just over half of the Prince Gong Mansion is the residential portion, while the remainder is devoted to an ornamental garden to the rear.

The living quarters stand within three sets of courtyards occupying a central, eastern and western situation. The main, central section comprises the major hall, a rear hall and an extended pavilion that has some 40 rooms. The construction and materials used are similar to those of the Ningshougong (Palace of Tranquil Longevity) in the Forbidden City. Each of the western and eastern sections contains three smaller courtyards. These grand and exquisite buildings are a poignant reminder of the pageantry and splendor that was so much part of China's imperial past.

The garden, surrounded by artificial mountains, is known as Jincui Yuan, and is of high standing on account of its layout and distinct design. It covers an area of 28,000 square meters (6.9 acres) and includes twenty scenic spots, each widely different from the others. The entrance via a cavern brings you into a spacious yard. A high but graceful rockery at the center point greets you. There are mountain peaks, ponds, caves, studies and pavilions distributed throughout the garden. The 'Western-Style Gate,' the 'Grand Theater House' and the 'fu' Stele to be found in the garden are referred to as the 'Three Uniqueness in the Prince Gong's Mansion'.

The West-style Gate
West-style Gate
Prince Gong's Mansion
Prince Gong's Mansion
The Western-Style Gate is a perfect harmonization of the western style with ancient Chinese carvings. The timber built Grand Theater House is to be found in the eastern part of the garden with a collection of old-time pavilions standing beside it. It has withstood more than 100 years of northern China's changeable weather and still stands firmly. The Beijing Opera, Kunqu Opera and selections of royal music are performed on the spacious and traditionally decorated stage each day.

Arriving in the center of the garden, you will be absorbed by the artificial hills. The stele was placed in a cave. The Chinese character 'fu' carved on the about 8-meter-long stele is a copy of the Emperor Kangxi's (1622-1723) handwriting.

Besides, there are other absorbing sightseeing spots such as Liubei Kiosk, Anshan Hall, Dule Peak, and Yaoyue Platform, etc.

As the Palace of Prince Gong, the mansion is a place really worthy of a visit and you can be assured that every aspect puts the culture and life style of the Imperial China's elite into perspective. It has been open to the public as an all-round museum designed to exhibit the royal mansion life in the Qing Dynasty.
 

How to get to Prince Gong's Mansion

 By Bus:
Take bus 3, 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 612 or 701 and get off at Beihai Bei Men (Beihai North Gate) Station. After that, walk along Sanzuoqiao Hutong on on the east, and walk north for about 5 minutes, you will get to Prince Gong's Mansion.

 By Subway:
Take Subway Line 6 to Beihai North and leave from Exit B. After that, walk north along Sanzuoqiao Hutong for 5 minutes, you will see it.
Beijing Bus / Subway Search
 
Admission Fee CNY40;
Half-price tickets for the minors aged 7-18 or the old over 60;
Free for children under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) or 6 years old.
Audio Guide Fee CNY30;
Languages: English, Mandarin, French, Cantonese, Japanese & Spanish 
Duration: 2h
Opening Hours
(Closed on Mondays)
8:30 – 17:00; stop ticketing at 16:00; stop entering at 16:10
Recommended Time for a Visit 2 hours


 Nearby Attractions:
Lotus Market
Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling
Huoguosi Hutong Snack Street

 Suggested Itineraries:
Shichahai and Houhai Hutongs: Visit the Hutong area to exprience the traditional local life
More Beijing Tours

  Top 10 Places to Visit in Beijing
  Top 10 Beijing Historical Sites You Should Not Miss

- Last updated on Dec. 12, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on Prince Gong\s Mansion
Asked by Nguyen Thai from VIỆT NAM | Mar. 25, 2024 08:17Reply
How to book my ticket to Gong Wang fu
I need to book my ticket to Gong Wang fu , please guide me
Answers (1)
Answered by Lori | Mar. 26, 2024 00:44
00Reply


If you have a mobile number of Mainland China, then you can book online in advance (earliest 10 days before your visit); if not, you need to buy a ticket with a valid passport on site but it's not guaranteed you can get one as the tickets may be sold out by then.
Asked by Andy from MALAYSIA | Sep. 26, 2017 03:25Reply
Prince Gong's Mansion Open Daily?
Hi, I would like to know whether it is opened on Monday as I plan to visit there on Monday this December.
Answers (2)
Answered by Lisa from CANADA | Sep. 26, 2017 03:39
00Reply


Oh, it is open daily, so it is fine to visit on Monday.
Answered by Andy | Oct. 02, 2017 01:40
00Reply


Thank you so much for your reply
Asked by parshva jain from INDIA | May. 15, 2016 04:20Reply
Where is the opera in Prince Gong's Mansion and what are the timings?
Answers (1)
Answered by Susan from AUSTRALIA | May. 15, 2016 22:53
00Reply


It is located at the northeast corner of the mansion, near Fu Stele and Peony Garden. You can enjoy Beijing Opera, Kunqu Opera, etc. But I have no idea of the schedule. Sorry for that.
Asked by Mr.Faizan from INDIA | Jan. 25, 2010 11:37Reply
hi
this is Faizan, i wish to know what bus or metro does one take to go to the prince gong's palace from behai park
i will be visiting the two on the same day
Answers (2)
Answered by Mr.Jeremy | Jan. 25, 2010 20:46
11Reply


Hi Faizan,

You may just hire a rickshaw at the Beihai North Gate Station to Prince Gong's Mansion which is not far from Beihai Park. The other option is to take a taxi. It won't cost you much.
Answered by Ms.sunnydream | Jan. 25, 2010 19:45
11Reply


Hi, Mr.Faizan, there is no direct bus to Prince Gong's Mansion. You may hire a rickshaw from Beihai North Gate, which should be more convenient.
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