The Former Residence of China’ s last empress, Wanrong, is located in Xicheng District nowadays built by her great-grandfather Guo Brokaw Changshun. The site recorded Wanrong’s life with the last emperor of Qing Dynasty, Puyi outside of the Forbidden City.

When the royal family was expelled from the Forbidden City in 1924, Wanrong spent a few days in the residence, before her exile life with her husband Puyi. When she was canonized as the Empress, the house received the grander title of Mansion of Duke Chengen. There were four courtyards in the west part, three courtyards in the east part with artificial hills, pools and family ancestral hall in the backyard. The principal room in the west section was the living room of Wanrong, which is a major government-protected cultural site of the capital. The Former Residence of Wanrong consisted of east and west parts; the west part was the dwelling district and the east part was a small private garden with three courtyards.

Location: No.35, 37 Mao’er Hutong, Gulounan, Xicheng District

How to get there: Take Bus No. 3, 5, 42, 60, 82, 701 to get there