Zheng Prince Mansion in Beijing

Zheng Prince Mansion in Beijing

Prince Zheng’s Mansion (郑王府), located at 35 Damu Cang Hutong (大木仓胡同), Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing, is one of the largest and most historically significant royal residences from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). Originally built between 1644 and 1648, the mansion served as the residence of Prince Zheng (郑亲王), Aisin Gioro Jirhalang (爱新觉罗·济尔哈朗), one of the “Eight Iron Cap Princes” of the early Qing Dynasty. The mansion later served as the site for China University (中国大学) during the Republic of China era, and after 1949, it was used by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.

The mansion is an excellent example of early Qing Dynasty architecture and is a valuable site for studying the layout and design of royal residences from this period.

Historical Background

The mansion was originally constructed during the Shunzhi Emperor’s (顺治帝) reign between 1644 and 1648, and was initially the residence of Prince Zheng (郑亲王), Aisin Gioro Jirhalang. Afterward, the estate went through several transformations in both the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China:

1657: Prince Jidu, the second son of Jirhalang, inherited the title and the mansion became known as the Jian Prince’s Mansion.

1778: The title of Prince Zheng was restored to Jikahana, and the mansion reverted to being Prince Zheng’s Mansion.

1861: Following political upheavals, the mansion was seized after the Xinyou Coup (辛酉政变).

1918: The last Prince Zheng, Zhao Xu, sold the mansion to the Li family of Gaoyang.

1923: Due to financial issues, Zhao Xu used the mansion as collateral, and it was subsequently seized and auctioned.

1925: China University acquired the property and established their campus there.

1949: After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the mansion was used by the Ministry of Education.

Architectural Layout

Prince Zheng’s Mansion occupies an area of approximately 80 acres, with over 900 rooms. The mansion was originally divided into two sections: the eastern residence and the western garden (now demolished). The mansion’s architectural layout consists of several courtyards, with the eastern section having three main courtyards: the Lion Courtyard (狮子院), the Main Hall Courtyard (正殿院), and the Main Sleeping Hall Courtyard (正寝殿院). Other sections of the mansion have been demolished, but parts of the original structure still remain.

Main Buildings

Lion Courtyard (狮子院)

At the southern end of the mansion is the Lion Courtyard, which features an impressive entrance gate and a grand palace door. The palace gate has a five-bay design with green glazed tiles and decorative artwork. There are also stone lions at the entrance and intricate carvings that reflect the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty.

Main Hall Courtyard (正殿院)

The main hall, known as Yinan Hall (银安殿), features a hipped roof and a five-bay layout with green glazed tiles. The columns are red with intricate carvings and decorative patterns. The courtyard also has side halls and wing buildings that originally housed various functions and ceremonial spaces.

Main Sleeping Hall Courtyard (正寝殿院)

The Main Sleeping Hall, originally called Yixian Hall (逸仙堂), was renamed in honor of Sun Yat-sen (孙中山), a revolutionary leader in 1926. The hall is designed with a seven-bay structure and is characterized by black glazed tiles and decorative eaves. The architecture represents the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty royal residence with a combination of traditional and modern features.

Historical Figures Associated with the Mansion

Aisin Gioro Jirhalang (爱新觉罗·济尔哈朗): The founder of Prince Zheng’s Mansion, one of the “Eight Iron Cap Princes” in the early Qing Dynasty.

Aisin Gioro Zhao Xu (爱新觉罗·昭煦): The last prince to live in the mansion, who sold it during the Republic of China period.

Cultural Significance

Prince Zheng’s Mansion offers valuable insights into the early Qing Dynasty aristocracy and their architectural styles. It stands as a symbol of the political and cultural importance of the Qing Empire during its formative years. The mansion was not only a royal residence but also became a focal point for modern education and cultural preservation.

Conservation and Protection

In recognition of its historical and architectural value, Prince Zheng’s Mansion was declared a municipal heritage site by the Beijing Municipal Government on May 24, 1984. In 2021, it was listed as one of the first immovable revolutionary cultural relics in Beijing by the Beijing Cultural Heritage Bureau.