After lunch on 21 May 2026, we decided to visit Prince Gong’s Mansion. This huge mansion, often referred to in English as “Prince Kung’s Palace,” is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of Qing dynasty aristocratic architecture in China. Located in Beijing’s Xicheng District near Shichahai, the vast complex offers a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of imperial princes and high-ranking officials during the late imperial era.
Originally built in the late 18th century, the palace first served as the residence of Emperor Qianlong’s daughter, Gurun Princess Hexiao, and the powerful court official Heshen, who later became infamous for corruption. Following Heshen’s downfall and execution in 1799, the estate was confiscated by the imperial court and granted to Prince Qing, Yonglin. In 1850, it was bestowed upon Yixin, better known as Prince Gong (Prince Kung), from whom the mansion derives its enduring name.
The man in this old photo on display taken in this mansion is Pujie (溥杰), the younger brother of the last emperor of Qing dynasty, Puyi.
Covering more than 62,000 square metres - roughly the size of nine soccer fields - the estate is divided into two main sections: the residence (over 33,000 square metres) and the garden (over 29,000 square metres). Designed in the traditional siheyuan layout, the mansion features symmetrical courtyards arranged along a central axis, reflecting Confucian principles of order and hierarchy. Formal halls and ceremonial spaces occupy the northern section, while the southern section served as private living quarters.
A highlight of the estate is its magnificent garden, regarded as one of Beijing’s finest surviving imperial gardens. Originally known as Langrun Garden and later renamed Cuijin Garden, it contains 44 scenic spots, including winding pathways, rockeries, ponds, bamboo groves, and elegant pavilions. Blending imperial grandeur with literati aesthetics, the garden stands as a masterpiece of Qing princely landscape design. Its Rear Building, Western-style Gate, Grand Theater, and the famed Fu Stele are collectively celebrated as the “Three Masterpieces and One Treasure” of Prince Gong’s Mansion.
Today, the mansion functions as a museum, showcasing restored interiors, Qing furniture, calligraphy, and historical artifacts that illuminate aristocratic life and court culture. Often described as a “mini Forbidden City,” it remains one of Beijing’s most valuable historical landmarks.
The palace’s history also offers a sobering reflection on human nature. Its most notorious early resident, Heshen, amassed immense wealth through corruption and paid with his life. Yet such severe punishment has done little to eliminate corruption across time. In December 2025, senior Chinese banker Bai Tianhui was executed after being convicted of accepting bribes totaling approximately US$155 million (Read here). Closer to home, a former Menteri Besar of Johor, Isa Samad was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for corruption (Read here).
These cases, separated by centuries and geography, reveal a persistent truth: the allure of wealth, power, and privilege remains extraordinarily strong. Despite harsh penalties and public disgrace, corruption continues to thrive, suggesting that greed and the pursuit of power remain among humanity’s most enduring temptations.
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