Embedded in a hutong, Prince Gong's Mansion is one of Beijing's largest private residential compounds and the world's largest extant courtyard. Built in 1777, it is regarded as the back garden of the Forbidden City, the history of Qing Dynasty. Would you like to have a visit?

Covering the total area of 15 hectare, 330 meters long from north to south and 180 meters wide from east to west, this palace had given to Heshen as his private mansion. When Heshen retired, this palace had given to his son, Jiaqing Emperor. After that in 1851, this palace had given to the son of Jiaqing Emperor which is Gong Prince. It could be divided into two main parts - the residence and the garden.

The residence area is in the front part of the mansion covering an area of of 31,000 square meters and designed with traditional Chinese architecture style of Qing Dynasty. And the construction and materials used are similar to those in the Forbidden City. The main palaces are Yinan Hall and Jiale Hall, both of which with green vitreous tiles roof. Others including Duofu Pavilion (as principal room), Ledao Hall (as living room), Baoguang Room and Xizhai Room, etc. are all deserve to visit. All these halls shows the dignity of the imperial family. In the living quarters, there now display some precious antiques. Also there are some stores selling souvenirs. 

The garden is located in the rear of the mansion. Arrive in the garden, a big lake will catch your sight at first. In the middle of the lake there stands a pavilion. Wandering in the green path or sitting in the pavilion to appreciate the harmonious scenery, what a relax and comfortable feeling. Some decorations inside the garden were truly neatly decorated. Though the garden is not large, it contains more than 15 scenic spots and the most popular one is the Fu Stele placed in a cave. This Chinese character is carved on stele which is a copy of the Emperor Kangxi. 

As the largest private courtyard, with delicate design and tranquil atmosphere, Prince Gong's Mansion is the place you really should not miss during the tour in Beijing.