The architectural art of the Prince Gong’s Mansion is distinctive, mainly reflected in the following aspects:
The layout is rigorous and symmetrical along the central axis: The overall architecture of the Prince Gong’s Mansion is divided into three routes: east, middle and west. Each route runs from south to north along a strict central axis, forming a multi-entrance quadrangle courtyard complex. This layout reflects the central axis symmetry feature of the Qing Dynasty royal mansion buildings, highlighting the solemnity and majesty of the architecture. The central buildings are the main body of the prince’s mansion, including the Silver Safety Hall, the Jiale Hall, etc., and they are the venues for holding major ceremonies and sacrificial activities. The east and west roads are the living areas for the prince and his family. The layout is ingenious and the functional zoning is clear.
The architectural style integrates diversity: The architectural style of the Prince Gong’s Mansion combines the essence of northern quadrangle courtyards and Jiangnan gardens. The mansion building is grand and imposing, with green glazed tiles on the roof, crouching beasts standing at the ridge ends, and immortals and beasts on the roof ridges, fully demonstrating the imperial style. The garden section is based on the design of “mountains and waters, pavilions, terraces, and flowers and trees”, with ingenious layout, elegant rockeries, clear ponds, and buildings blending seamlessly with nature, creating a serene and far-reaching atmosphere.
The carvings and decorations are exquisite: The buildings and furniture in the Prince Gong’s Mansion are decorated with a large number of exquisite carvings, most of which are related to traditional culture and historical figures. These carved works not only have extremely high artistic value, but also contain profound historical and cultural connotations. For instance, all the carvings in the Xijinzhai are made of nanmu wood and were built by Heshen in the style of the Ningshou Palace in the Forbidden City, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty artisans.
The culture of “blessing” runs through the entire process: The Mansion of Prince Gong is renowned as the “Garden of Ten Thousand Blessings”, with over ten thousand “blessing” characters filling the entire garden. Among them, the “Fu Character Stele” inscribed by Emperor Kangxi is even hailed as “the No. 1 Fu in the World” and is hidden in the Secret Cloud Cave. In addition, the bat pond, the grand stage and other buildings and scenic spots in the garden also carry the meaning of “good fortune”, reflecting the unique “good fortune” culture of the Prince Gong’s Mansion.
の “Three Wonders and One Treasure” in the Prince Gong’s Mansion are a concentrated embodiment of his architectural art, with unique ingenuity. The rear cover building, which served as Heshen’s treasure house, has 44 brick-carved assorted Windows of various shapes on its back, symbolizing good fortune. The Western Gate is the only Western-style building in the garden, reflecting the owner’s acceptance and integration of Western culture. The grand opera house is the only fully enclosed grand opera house that still exists in China. It is made of pure wood and has a delicate construction. の “Fu” character stele was written by Emperor Kangxi and holds extremely high historical and cultural value.
