Prince Gong's Mansion: Complete Visitor's Guide
Prince Gong's Mansion, the largest and best-preserved Qing dynasty prince's mansion open to the public, represents "Half the History of the Qing Dynasty." This magnificent complex spans 60,000 square meters, with dimensions of 330 meters north-south and 180 meters east-west, perfectly divided between residential quarters and gardens.
Why Visit Prince Gong's Mansion
- Best-preserved Qing dynasty prince's mansion
- Home to three historical figures: Heshen, Yonglin, and Prince Gong Yixin
- Unique blend of traditional residential architecture and garden design
- Features the "Three Masterpieces and One Treasure"
- Rich historical significance in Qing dynasty culture
Highlights: "Three Masterpieces and One Treasure"
-
Back Tower (后罩楼)
- Heshen's legendary treasure storage
- Distinctive carved windows serving as "password system"
-
Western-Style Gate (西洋门)
- Unique white marble arch
- Inspired by Yuanmingyuan's Grand Waterworks
-
Grand Theater (大戏楼)
- Only surviving fully-enclosed ancient theater
- Advanced Qing dynasty acoustic system
-
"Fu" Character Tablet (福字碑)
- Carved from Emperor Kangxi's calligraphy
- Symbol of fortune and longevity
Recommended Route
Main Route Sequence
- Palace Gate
- Yinan Hall (银安殿) - Main exhibition hall
- Jiale Hall (嘉乐堂) - Ancestral worship hall
- Baoguang Chamber (葆光室) - Historical exhibition
- Xijin Chamber (锡晋斋) - Nanmu wood architecture
- Back Tower
- Western-Style Gate
- Dule Peak (独乐峰)
- Fu Pool (蝠池)
- Anzhan Hall
- Qinqiu Pavilion
- Bamboo Garden & Grand Theater
- Peony Garden
- Yishen Place
- Tingyu Pavilion
- Fu Hall
- Yaoyue Platform
- "Fu" Character Tablet
Practical Information
Opening Hours
- 8:30 - 17:00 (Last entry at 16:10)
- Closed on Mondays
Admission
- Regular ticket: ¥40
- Advance booking required through WeChat official account
- Recommend booking at least 3 days ahead
Transportation
By Metro
- Line 6 to Beihai North Station, Exit B
By Bus
- Routes: 3, 4, 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 612
- Stop: Beihai North Gate
Driving
- Not recommended due to limited parking
Visitor Services
Service Center Features
- Free luggage storage
- Mobile phone charging
- Wheelchair/stroller rental
- Medical station
- Nursing room
- Free WiFi (Network: "GWF")
Essential Tips
-
Best Photo Spots
- "Path to Success" (平步青云路)
- Fu Pool with elm trees (Spring season)
- Western-Style Gate
- Back Tower's carved windows
-
Seasonal Highlights
- April: Elm tree seeds floating in Fu Pool
- Spring/Autumn: Garden views
- Summer: Lotus and water features
-
Cultural Features
- Dragon King Temple with prayer tablets
- Xijin Chamber's nanmu wood architecture
- Traditional theatrical performances (scheduled times)
Special Features
Fu Pool (蝠池)
- Bat-shaped pool design
- Spring attraction: Elm tree seeds resembling ancient coins
- Symbolic meaning of fortune and prosperity
Path to Success (平步青云路)
- Symbolic two-step elevation
- Direct path to Yaoyue Platform
- Features special "happiness" character inscription
Grand Theater
- Capacity: 200 people
- Unique wooden structure without nails
- Nine bronze vats arranged in V-shape for acoustic effects
- Pure wood construction