Prince Gong's Mansion Palace

Address: Prince Gong’s Mansion (Gong Wang Fu), 17 Qianhai West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China

Hours: Typically 8:30am-5:00pm (last entry varies); closed some holidays - check local sources

Admission: Admission around CNY 40-60 (varies); check local site for current fees

Prince Gong’s Mansion (Gong Wang Fu) is a large Qing dynasty princely residence in Beijing, notable for its preserved courtyards and classical garden. The core complex dates to the late 18th century and is an important example of urban aristocratic architecture.

Constructed in the late 18th century, the compound was associated with high-ranking Qing officials and later came to be identified with Prince Gong (Yixin) in the 19th century. The site underwent significant restoration in the late 20th and early 21st centuries and now operates as a public museum and cultural venue.

The mansion sits to the west of central Beijing’s Shichahai area, north of the Forbidden City, and is accessible from central Beijing by public transport and on-foot routes through the old city districts.

• Historical significance: Originally built in the late 18th century and associated with high-ranking Qing officials, it is one of Beijing’s best-preserved princely residences.
• Visitor value: The complex includes formal courtyards and a classical Qing garden restored and opened to the public as a museum and cultural site.

What to See#

• Front courtyards and residential halls: The front courtyards and main gate lead into a sequence of residential halls and corridors arranged around courtyards, typical of Qing princely mansions.
• Imperial garden and rockeries: The restored private garden contains rockeries, pavilions and ponds laid out in the classical Chinese garden style of the Qing era, used historically for leisure by the mansion’s occupants.
• Museum rooms and displays: Exhibition rooms in the mansion present period furniture, costumes and displays about the mansion’s 18th- and 19th-century history and restoration work.

Prince Gong’s Mansion is in central Beijing’s Xicheng District near Shichahai. The nearest metro stations are Shichahai (Line 8/nearby transfers) and Beihai North (Line 6/8 depending on walking route). Taxis and buses also serve the area; it is walkable from the Houhai and Beihai scenic areas.

• Buy tickets in advance during national holidays; the complex is popular and can have long queues.
• Visit the adjoining gardens and the small exhibition rooms that explain Prince Gong's role in late Qing court politics.
• Photography inside certain rooms may be restricted; follow onsite signage.