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Essential Architecture- Peking Prince Gong Mansion (Gong Wang Fu) |
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architect |
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location |
Beijing / Peking, China |
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date |
c. 1750 |
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style |
Qing Dynasty |
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construction |
wood, stone |
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type |
Palace |
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This splendid imperial residence belonged to several people, including the
sixth son of the Guangxu emperor (Prince Gong) who, at the age of 27,
was left to sign the Convention of Peking in 1860, after the Qing royal
family took an early summer holiday when British and French forces
advanced on the capital. The convention (which ratified the ill-enforced
Treaty of Tianjin) is reproduced in an exhibition hall. But other than
one picture, there's little information on an earlier owner, Heshen
(1750-1799), the infamous Manchu official. Thought to have been the
Qianlong emperor's lover, he ruled China for his own gain when Qianlong
abdicated in 1796, but his demise was swift. While he was mourning
Qianlong in the Forbidden City, officials were dispatched to this
mansion. Though the extent of his graft was widely known, officials were
shocked by the piles of gold and silver ingots they uncovered. His
remaining friends at court managed to persuade the Qianlong emperor's
son to spare him from "death by a thousand cuts," but he was soon
hanged. His most lavish building -- constructed entirely from cedarwood
-- is housed in the China Arts Research College next door. While the
curators aren't game to mention it, the shop is doing brisk trade in the
lurid Secrets of Heshen. The labyrinthine combination of rockeries and
pavilions here offers plenty to see. Short but sweet performances of
opera and acrobatics are served up to tour groups in the three-story
"Grand Opera House." |
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Hours Daily 8:30am-4:30pm Address Liuyin Jie 17 Location Xicheng District Transportation Signposted in English at top of Qian Hai Xi Dajie running north off Ping'an Dadao opposite north gate of Bei Hai Park; turn left at sign and follow alley past large parking lot. Entrance marked with huge red lanterns. Metro: Jishui Tan (218, exit C) Phone 010/6616-8149 Prices Admission ¥5 (60¢) |
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links |
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| www.essential-architecture.com | |