To the northwest of the Forbidden City is Prince Gong's Mansion which was built in 1777. In 1851, the mansion was bestowed upon Prince Gong by Emperor Xianfeng (1851-1862), hence its name. It is the most well-preserved mansion in Beijing.

Two stone lions guard the main gate, and magnificent buildings stand to the fore of the mansion, with an elegant garden at the rear. On the wall of the main hall hangs a plaque inscribed with three charactersBao Guang Shiin the calligraphy of Emperor Xianfeng.

The buildings at the forefront of the mansion are on three axes, and apart from a two-story building consisting of ninety-nine and a half rooms, all are in the traditional style.DuofuStudy is on the eastern axis, and its structure is designed in the Ming style. On each of the two side axes are four courtyards, the second courtyard on the western axis being strikingly spacious. In the third courtyard, called Xijin Studio, there is a seven-roomed, exquisitely furnished hall.

The garden in Prince Gong's Mansion is namedCuijin, meaning concentrated cream of the most beautiful flowers. The garden covers 28,000 square meters, and is surrounded by man-made hills on four sides. In addition to its artificial hill, trees, flowers, pavilions and terraces, the garden also contains the unique feature of its own theater.

To help visitors gain a better understanding of the culture attaching to the mansion, the administration of Prince Gong's Mansion has converted Bat Hall into a teahouse. Visitors can observe the exquisite art of the tea ceremony and enjoy folklore performances at the teahouse.

Further Information:

Address: A14, Liuyin Street, Xicheng District

Open: 8:30-17:00

Admission: 20 yuan

Tel: 8610-66116053