Beijing's largest surviving Qing-dynasty princely mansion, built in 1777 and occupied by Prince Gong, younger brother of the Xianfeng Emperor, from 1851. The compound covers 61,000 square metres and contains 30 buildings and a large classical garden in the northern section, with rockeries, corridors, and an open-air stage used for private opera performances. The western half of the garden is particularly fine.
Entry is ticketed and slightly overpriced, but the garden alone is worth it as a quiet escape from the tourist crowds. The buildings contain a small permanent exhibition on Qing court life. Near the Houhai lake district; combine the two in a half-day walk.