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"

1. Back Tower (后罩楼)

   • Heshen's legendary treasure storage
   • Distinctive carved windows serving as "password system"

2. Western-Style Gate (西洋门)

   • Unique white marble arch
   • Inspired by Yuanmingyuan's Grand Waterworks

3. Grand Theater (大戏楼)

   • Only surviving fully-enclosed ancient theater
   • Advanced Qing dynasty acoustic system

4. "Fu" Character Tablet (福字碑)

   • Carved from Emperor Kangxi's calligraphy
   • Symbol of fortune and longevity

Recommended Route

Main Route Sequence

1. Palace Gate
2. Yinan Hall (银安殿) - Main exhibition hall
3. Jiale Hall (嘉乐堂) - Ancestral worship hall
4. Baoguang Chamber (葆光室) - Historical exhibition
5. Xijin Chamber (锡晋斋) - Nanmu wood architecture
6. Back Tower
7. Western-Style Gate
8. Dule Peak (独乐峰)
9. Fu Pool (蝠池)
10. Anzhan Hall
11. Qinqiu Pavilion
12. Bamboo Garden & Grand Theater
13. Peony Garden
14. Yishen Place
15. Tingyu Pavilion
16. Fu Hall
17. Yaoyue Platform
18. "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

1. 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

2. Seasonal Highlights

   • April: Elm tree seeds floating in Fu Pool
   • Spring/Autumn: Garden views
   • Summer: Lotus and water features

3. 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