As the best preserved Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) mansion in Beijing, Prince Kung’s Mansion definitely deserves a mention as one of the city’s top attractions, and the cultural exhibitions which take place regularly there are a bonus.
A collection of nearly 70 paintings by Zou Ming, an artist and professor from Zhenzhen University, is on display at the mansion until July 29. Catching the mansion in four seasons and from different angles, and also with ancient figures, those ink and watercolor paintings bring people back to the period when the mansion was at the peak of its prosperity.
Fascinated with the ancient royal complex, Zou became a frequent visitor and spent two years depicting the scenery at the mansion. According to Zou, what fascinates him most is the rich history behind it, in addition to the magnificent architecture.
“In my paintings, you may sense a kind of silence, because I think in this way viewers can better understand the mansion’s history”, Zou was quoted saying in a CGTN report.
Once the home of Niohuru Heshen, a powerful Manchu official, and later Prince Kung, son of an emperor, the mansion has been regarded as an epitome of the Qing era, since it witnessed the dynasty’s rise and fall.
Painting Exhibition at Prince Kung’s Mansion
RMB 40 (adults), RMB 20 (students). 8am-5pm. Prince Kung’s Mansion (No.17 Qianhai Xijie, Xicheng District 西城区前海西街17号; 8328 8149).
Photos: CGTN
