North China

Prince Gong's Mansion Travel Guide

He Shen's Former Residence · Fu Character Stele · Back Garden

Prince Gong's Mansion is the most well-preserved Qing Dynasty princely residence in Beijing, having successively served as the residence of Heshen, Prince Qing, and Prince Gong. The mansion is well-organized, with exquisite gardens, and the 'Fu' character stele in the courtyard is the place where tourists line up the longest.

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Destination Details

Key facts

Best seasonAll year

Suggested stay1.5–2.5 hours

Key highlightsYin'an Hall · Jiale Hall · Fu Character Stele · Cuijin Garden

TrafficSouthwest of Shichahai, Beihai North Station of Metro Line 6

RemindThe queue in front of the 'Fu' character monument is longer, you can avoid peak times.

The Prince Gong Mansion is located in the southwest corner of Shichahai in Beijing's Xicheng District. It was initially built in the mid-to-late Qianlong period and was originally the residence of Heshen. During the Xianfeng period, it was granted to Prince Gong Yixin, hence its name. It is the most well-preserved princely residence from the Qing Dynasty, with both the front residence and the rear garden layout intact.

Key Highlights

Central Avenue of the Mansion

Along the central axis are Yinan Hall and Jiale Hall, built to the standards of a prince's residence. The halls are restored with furnishings, showing how ritual and propriety are reflected in both the architecture and furniture.

Fortune Character Stele

The Kangxi calligraphy "Fu" (fortune) stele in the Miyun Cave of the rear garden is one of the three most famous treasures of Prince Gong Mansion. Tourists often line up to touch the "Fu" as a traditional practice, with the fewest people visiting in the morning at opening time.

Cuijin Garden

The rear garden covers about 28,000 square meters, featuring rockeries, ponds, and covered corridors, making it one of the best-preserved princely gardens in Beijing. The Western Gate and Bat Pool are popular photo spots.

Recommended Duration

1.5 hours: Mansion and Garden.
Half a day: Add a walk around Shichahai and the hutongs.

Local Tips

Within walking distance of Shichahai and Nanluoguxiang, making it convenient to combine into a half-day itinerary.
Some areas of the garden have uneven ground, so watch your step.