
Jingyuan Garden in Tianjin
Jingyuan Garden (静园), located at 70 Anshan Road (鞍山道70号), Heping District, Tianjin (天津市和平区), is a historical site with a building area of around 1,900 square meters and a total area of 3,016 square meters. The garden is designated as a specially protected historical building and a cultural heritage site of Tianjin (天津市).
Originally named Qian Garden (乾园), the garden was built in 1921 as the residence of Lu Zongyu (陆宗舆), the Chinese Minister to Japan during the Beiyang Government. From 1929 to 1931, the Last Emperor Puyi (溥仪), accompanied by his empress Wanrong (婉容) and concubine Wenxiu (文绣), resided here, and the garden was renamed Jingyuan (静园), meaning “to quietly observe changes and await opportunities.”
Location: 70 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
Opening Date: June 1, 2021
Rating: AAA level
Ticket Price: 20 RMB
Area: 3,016 square meters
Suitable Visiting Time: 1 hour
Best Visiting Season: September to November
History and Cultural Significance
Jingyuan Garden (静园) was initially built in 1921 as a private residence and is an example of a typical courtyard-style residence from the period of the foreign concessions in Tianjin. The garden blends both Spanish (西班牙式) and Japanese (日式) architectural styles. After Puyi’s departure, the garden changed hands several times and was used for various purposes, including as office spaces and residential housing. By the time of its restoration in 2007, it had become a chaotic compound with numerous illegal constructions.
In 2007, after a major restoration, Jingyuan Garden (静园) was opened to the public as an AAA-level national tourist attraction. It has since gained multiple recognitions, including “China’s Tourism Brand Charm Scenic Area” and “Tianjin’s Patriotic Education Base”.
Garden and Building Features
The main structure of the garden exhibits a mix of Spanish and Japanese architectural styles. The doors are made from typical Japanese materials, simple and natural, while the sloped roofs and the use of tile roofing, along with interior detailing, showcase the influence of Spanish medieval architecture.
The garden features lush greenery and is tranquil and pleasant, offering a peaceful escape within the city. Jingyuan (静园) is a prime example of a private courtyard residence from Tianjin’s foreign concession period.
Building Restoration and Renovation
In 2005, a protective renovation project was launched under the guidance of the Tianjin Municipal Land Resources and Housing Management Bureau (天津市国土资源和房屋管理局). The renovation took over 600 days, transforming Jingyuan Garden (静园) into the first building to be restored according to the Tianjin Historical Building Protection Regulations (天津市历史风貌建筑保护条例). During the restoration, modern materials and techniques were used to reinforce the old structure, while ensuring that the original architectural layout and components were preserved.
The Jingyuan Garden Museum (静园修复展览馆) has an exhibition that explores the history, architectural restoration, and transformation of the garden, comparing its past and present forms.
Historical Exhibitions
Puyi Exhibition (溥仪展馆)
To explore and preserve the cultural heritage of Jingyuan (静园), the Puyi Exhibition (溥仪展馆) was established, showcasing over 100 rare photographs of Puyi (溥仪), the Last Emperor of China, under the themes of “The Twilight of the Forbidden City”, “Living in Tianjin”, and “After Leaving the Forbidden City”. The exhibition is based on in-depth research from historical texts, photographs, and artifacts, allowing visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of Puyi’s life in Tianjin.
Restoration and Preservation Work
The renovation and preservation efforts were carried out with meticulous attention to historical accuracy. Experts in the field of architecture, history, and preservation contributed to the restoration process. The garden’s layout was carefully restored to maintain its serene and refined atmosphere, with the central feature being a restored fountain and pool (水池喷泉) at the center of the garden. Several original plants were retained, and over 10 species of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers were added to enhance the garden’s beauty and authenticity.
Visitor Information
Ticket Prices
Standard Price: 20 RMB per person
Opening Hours
Regular Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Special Night Openings: Available during summer months
Transportation
Take Bus No. 10 to Anshan Road Station (鞍山道站), then walk for about 5 minutes to Jingyuan Garden (静园).
Alternatively, take Tianjin Metro Line 2 to Anshan Road Station (鞍山道站), and walk about 5 minutes east to reach the garden.
Notable Restoration Aspects
The Jingyuan Garden (静园) restoration team used advanced techniques and materials for reinforcing the structure, ensuring the protection of the garden’s historical integrity. The team worked to create a balanced approach that honored the principle of “restore the old as it was, ensuring safety and suitability for modern use” (修旧如故,安全适用).
History of Jingyuan Garden
Jingyuan Garden (静园) is a historical residence with significant ties to the last emperor of China, Puyi (溥仪). Located in the Heping District of Tianjin (天津市), it was originally named Qian Garden (乾园) when it was first constructed in 1921. It became famous when Puyi (溥仪) and his empress Wanrong (婉容) lived there after being forced out of the Forbidden City in 1924. The name “Jingyuan” (静园) reflects the emperor’s mindset: “to quietly observe changes and await opportunities.”
Following the 9.18 Incident (九一八事变), Puyi (溥仪) secretly met with Japanese officials in Jingyuan Garden (静园), hoping to leverage Japanese power to restore the Qing dynasty. On November 10, 1931, Puyi (溥仪) secretly left the garden, escaping through a back gate to the northeast, where he was installed as the puppet emperor of the Japanese-controlled Manchukuo (伪满洲国).
After Puyi (溥仪) left, the garden became a truly “silent” garden, reflecting the tumultuous end of an imperial dynasty. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国), the garden was taken over by the government and became office and residential space for the Tianjin General Labor Union (天津市总工会) and Tianjin Daily (天津日报社). Prominent figures, including Huang Huoqing (黄火青) and Gu Xiaobo (谷小波), resided there during different periods.
Puyi’s Life
Puyi (溥仪), born in 1906, was the last emperor of China and the emperor of the puppet Manchukuo (满洲国) established by the Japanese. In 1908, at the age of three, he was enthroned as emperor under the reign name Xuantong (宣统). Following the Xinhai Revolution (辛亥革命) in 1911, Puyi (溥仪) was forced to abdicate, but he continued to live in the Forbidden City (紫禁城).
In 1917, he attempted to restore the Qing Dynasty with the help of Zhang Xun (张勋), but after only 12 days, the coup failed, and he was forced into exile. In 1924, after being expelled from the Forbidden City by Feng Yuxiang (冯玉祥), Puyi (溥仪) moved to Tianjin (天津), first living in Zhang Garden (张园) and later relocating to Jingyuan (静园). This move was symbolic of his belief in “waiting for the right opportunity” to regain power.
During the 9.18 Incident (九一八事变) in 1931, Puyi (溥仪) was recruited by Japanese officials, and with their support, he became the emperor of the puppet Manchukuo (伪满洲国). After the defeat of Japan in 1945, Puyi (溥仪) was captured by Soviet forces and spent five years in Siberian labor camps. In 1950, he was handed over to the Chinese government and served time in detention before being released in 1959.
Restoration of Jingyuan Garden
In 2005, Jingyuan Garden (静园) was listed as a special protection level historical building by the Tianjin Municipal Government (天津市政府). Later that year, the city began the restoration of the garden under the guidance of the Tianjin Historical Building Protection Regulations (天津市历史风貌建筑保护条例).
The restoration process, which took over a year, focused on preserving the building’s original features while making it suitable for modern use. The main building was reinforced scientifically, with the original windows, doors, and other components meticulously restored. Jingyuan (静园) was reopened to the public in 2007 following the completion of the restoration, maintaining its historical charm while offering additional functions to enhance the visitor experience.
Restoration Features
The restored Jingyuan Garden (静园) features restored rooms, including the dining hall, conference room, and guest rooms on the first floor, as well as Puyi’s (溥仪) and Wanrong’s (婉容) bedrooms, study, and other living spaces on the second floor. Original furniture, decorative items, and related historical documents and photos are displayed to give visitors a true sense of the era.
The garden’s courtyard was also carefully restored. A fountain (水池喷泉) was reinstated at the center of the garden, with decorative elements like the fish-shaped fountain, wisteria trellis, and pavilion (游廊) recreated to match the original design.
Puyi Exhibition
The Puyi Exhibition (溥仪展馆) showcases Puyi’s (溥仪) life through photographs and artifacts. Themes such as “The Twilight of the Forbidden City”, “Living in Tianjin”, and “After Leaving the Forbidden City” are explored through over 100 rare images and various artifacts related to his time in Tianjin (天津) and his reign as the emperor of Manchukuo (满洲国).
Facilities and Services
Jingyuan Garden (静园) is equipped to host various events, including business meetings, cultural exhibitions, and film and TV productions. The garden offers rental services for exhibition spaces and equipment, as well as complete exhibition design and art production. Additionally, it organizes press conferences and media promotion activities related to exhibitions.
Visiting Hours
Open Days: Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays, except for public holidays)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Ticket Sales Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket Information
Full-price Ticket: 20 RMB
Half-price Ticket: 10 RMB
Ticket Pick-up: Jingyuan Garden Ticket Office (静园售票处), 70 Anshan Road (鞍山道70号), Heping District (和平区), Tianjin (天津)
Discount Policies
Free Admission
Active Military Personnel, Disabled Veterans, and individuals who receive national allowances or subsidies: Free with appropriate identification (e.g., Soldier’s ID, Officer’s ID, Disabled Veteran’s Certificate, or Veterans’ Certificate).
Persons with Disabilities: Free with a People’s Republic of China Disability Certificate (《中华人民共和国残疾人证》), must be accompanied by an adult family member.
Senior Citizens aged 70 and above: Free with an Elderly Care Certificate (《天津市老年优待证》) or ID, must be accompanied by an adult family member.
Retired Officials: Free with a Retirement Honor Certificate (《老干部离休荣誉证》), must be accompanied by an adult family member.
Children aged 6 or under, or those under 1.2 meters (4 feet): Free entry, must be accompanied by an adult family member.
School Groups: Free entry for primary, secondary, and university students with an official school letter, must reserve 7 days in advance.
Tour Guides: Free entry with a valid Tour Guide Certificate.
Half-price Admission
Visitors aged 60-69: Half-price with ID.
Visitors aged 6-18 (not including 6 years old), Full-time University Students, and students with a Bachelor’s Degree or lower: Half-price with ID and student card. Visitors from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan can present the appropriate entry permits (e.g., Hong Kong Residents’ Pass, Taiwan Residents’ Pass) and student ID for half-price admission.
Transportation Information
Public Transport:
Several bus routes and the subway provide convenient access to Jingyuan Garden (静园):
Bus Routes:
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962: Wanquandao Station (万全道站)
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851: Anshan Road Station (鞍山道站)
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8: Gansu Road (甘肃路)
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3, 50, 600, 606, 631, 632, 643, 657, 673, 840, 850, 865, 867, 870, 906, K50: Anshan Road Station (鞍山道站)
Subway:
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Tianjin Metro Line 3: Anshan Road Station (鞍山道站)