Heshuo Kejing Princess House in Hohhot

Heshuo Kejing Princess House: Hohhot’s Royal Gem of Manchu-Mongolian Heritage
Nestled at No. 62 Tongdao North Road, Xinhua District, Hohhot, Heshuo Kejing Princess House is more than just an ancient mansion—it is a living witness to 300 years of Manchu-Mongolian friendship, the only completely preserved Qing Dynasty princess mansion in China, and a precious royal architectural complex in Inner Mongolia [superscript:1]. Known as the “First Mansion Beyond the Great Wall”, this stunning heritage site combines exquisite Qing official architecture with the charm of grassland culture, offering international travelers a unique window into China’s imperial history, ethnic integration, and royal life in the Qing Dynasty.

Why Heshuo Kejing Princess House Is a Must-Visit Cultural Spot in Hohhot?

While Hohhot is famous for its grasslands and nomadic culture, Heshuo Kejing Princess House reveals the city’s profound imperial and ethnic history. Unlike other ancient buildings, this mansion is the only Qing Dynasty princess mansion that was not built in the princess’s married land [superscript:1], making it a rare historical relic. It is also a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, with well-preserved architecture, precious cultural relics, and rich historical stories [superscript:1]. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a culture explorer, this mansion offers an immersive journey into the grandeur of Qing royal life and the harmony of Manchu-Mongolian integration.

300 Years of History: A Witness to Manchu-Mongolian Marriage

Heshuo Kejing Princess House was built between 1703 and 1705 during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, commissioned by Emperor Kangxi for his sixth daughter, Princess Kejing, who married Dondob Dorji, the grandson of the Khalkha Mongolian Tusheet Khan [superscript:1]. This marriage was a strategic part of the Qing Dynasty’s policy of strengthening ties with Mongolian tribes, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in northern China .
The princess, known locally as the “Haibang Princess” (Oyster Princess), was highly respected by the people. She actively promoted agricultural development, built water conservancy projects, and brought prosperity to the area under her jurisdiction, with four stone tablets praising her benevolent governance still preserved today [superscript:3]. In 1735, Princess Kejing passed away in the mansion at the age of 57, and her legacy of promoting ethnic harmony lives on through the centuries .

Exquisite Royal Architecture: A Masterpiece of Qing Dynasty Design

Covering an area of over 18,000 square meters, Heshuo Kejing Princess House follows a symmetrical central axis layout, consisting of four courtyards and five layers of buildings, with 19 single buildings and 59 rooms in total . The architecture is a masterpiece of Qing official style, with exquisite craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and a perfect combination of mansion and garden, retaining rich information about Qing Dynasty architecture :

• Symmetrical Layout: From the screen wall and main gate to the Yimen (Ceremonial Gate), Jingyi Hall, Chuihua Gate, bedroom, and back cover house, all buildings are arranged along the central axis, reflecting the solemnity and hierarchy of Qing royal architecture .
• Architectural Details: The main gate is adorned with 49 copper nails (7 horizontal and 7 vertical), symbolizing the princess’s rank equivalent to a prince . The roof is decorated with 6 small animals (phoenix-riding immortal, dragon, phoenix, lion, heavenly horse, sea horse), showcasing royal dignity . The exterior paintings are restored according to historical records, following the standard of prince-level decorations .
• Functional Spaces: Jingyi Hall, inscribed by Emperor Kangxi himself, was where the princess and her husband handled official affairs and received guests . The bedroom, restored to its original historical scene, displays delicate dressing tables, wardrobes, and porcelain, offering a glimpse into the princess’s private life .

Precious Cultural Relics & Immersive Experiences

Today, Heshuo Kejing Princess House operates as a special museum, showcasing a wealth of cultural relics and offering immersive experiences that bring history to life :

• Cultural Relic Exhibitions: The museum displays replicas of the Golden Book (used to confer the princess’s title, original kept in Mongolia’s National History Museum), royal jade certificates, and exquisite hairpins and jewelry recreated based on Qing Dynasty relics . It also exhibits imperial edicts and historical documents from the First Historical Archives of China, recording the princess’s life and the history of Manchu-Mongolian marriage .
• Intangible Cultural Heritage Activities: During holidays, the mansion hosts traditional cultural experiences such as rubbing, black glaze carving, and other intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, allowing visitors to touch the warmth of history with their own hands .
• Historical Scene Restoration: The courtyard and rooms are restored to their original Qing Dynasty style, with oil paintings depicting scenes such as Emperor Kangxi’s northern tour to visit the princess, helping visitors visualize the royal life of 300 years ago .

Practical Information for International Visitors

Planning your visit to Heshuo Kejing Princess House is easy—here’s all the essential information to make your trip smooth and enjoyable:

• Location: No. 62 Tongdao North Road, Xinhua District, Hohhot (easily accessible by public transport, in the urban area) .
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (peak season, May 1 – October 31); Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (last entry at 11:00 AM, clearance at 11:30 AM) and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM, clearance at 5:30 PM) (off-season, November 1 – April 30); Closed on Mondays and Thursdays (except for national legal holidays).
• Admission: Free of charge for all visitors; no tickets required. International visitors only need to present a valid passport to enter.
• Transportation: Conveniently located in the urban area—take public buses to the “Heshuo Kejing Princess House” station and walk for 2-3 minutes. Self-driving is also available, with nearby parking facilities .
• Tips: Allocate 1-2 hours for your visit; dress casually and keep quiet to respect the cultural relics. English information and brochures are available at the visitor center, and staff can provide assistance in English. The best time to visit is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and beautiful courtyard scenery. Don’t miss the chance to take photos with the elegant red walls and green tiles—perfect for capturing the charm of Qing royal architecture.

Heshuo Kejing Princess House: Where History & Culture Unite

Heshuo Kejing Princess House is more than a historical relic—it is a symbol of Manchu-Mongolian friendship and a treasure trove of Qing Dynasty culture. For 300 years, it has stood quietly in Hohhot, witnessing the integration of ethnic cultures and the changes of time [superscript:1]. Here, you can wander through ancient courtyards, admire exquisite royal architecture, and listen to the stories of a princess who dedicated her life to peace and harmony.
Add Heshuo Kejing Princess House to your Hohhot travel plan—where every brick and tile tells a story, every relic carries history, and the charm of Qing royal culture and Manchu-Mongolian friendship awaits you.