In China's feudalist society, no one was allowed to live in the Forbidden City complex except the emperor and his families. Therefore, the kinsfolk or relatives of the emperor had to build their own mansions, hence the princely mansions. Today, about 60 princely residences of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) are still extant. Among them, Gongwangfu, or Prince Gong's Residence, is China's largest and best-preserved princely residence.

  Exquisite royal garden

A wander through the old hutongs around Shichahai Lake leads to a large wooden gate with golden doorknockers. Behind the door lies Gongwangfu, the only princely mansion partially open to the public.

Built in 1776 as the residence of He Shen, a corrupt favorite minister of Qing Emperor Qianlong, Gongwangfu was bestowed by Emperor Xianfeng to Prince Gong in 1852, hence its present name. Gongwangfu is comprised of the residence and garden, covering an area of about 60,000 square meters.

Known as "a half of the Qing history," Gongwangfu is not only big but also of high ranking in the hierarchy, which is reflected in its five-room facade and a great number of rooms. It is also further indicated by the presence of two stone lions guarding the main gate, especially the 12 lines of hair knots on them -- the emperor was entitled to 13 lines of hair knots.

Gongwangfu's garden is best known for its three uniqueness: a Western-style gate, a stele with the emperor 's handwriting "福"(good luck), and the grand theater house.

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