庆王庙

Tucked away in Beijing, the Prince Qing’s Mansion, also known as 慶王府 or \u5e86\u738b\u5e9c, whispers tales of a tumultuous era in China’s history. This isn’t the original Prince Qing’s residence. It became the Prince Qing’s Mansion much later, in the late Qing Dynasty, for Yikuang, the Prince Qing. Yikuang, grandson of the first Prince Qing, Yonglin, was granted the title in 1894 after renovations transformed his former residence into a princely mansion. This \u5e86\u738b\u5e9c was originally the home of a Grand Secretary named Heshen. After Heshen’s downfall, it passed to Princess Hexiao, the daughter of Qianlong Emperor, and her husband Yonglin, the seventeenth son of the Qianlong Emperor and the first Prince Qing. This “old” Prince Qing’s Mansion was located near today’s Qianhai West Street. Yikuang, while holding the title of Prince Chun, lived in this old mansion. He remained there even after being appointed as Imperial Commissioner. This was deemed inappropriate. In 1851, Emperor Xianfeng gifted him a new residence, the one we stand before today. This \u5e86\u738b\u5e9c was located on Dingfu Street, now known as Dingfu Street. Originally much smaller, the compound was expanded into a grand mansion befitting a prince after Yikuang was granted the Prince Qing title. The mansion’s western section is where the prince and his family lived. It originally contained various halls and chambers, each with a unique name. The names, like “Chengrui Hall” and “Yiqing Hall” where Yikuang resided, were displayed on plaques above the doorways, but sadly, these plaques are now lost. Imagine strolling through the interconnected courtyards and corridors, catching glimpses into the lives of those who once resided within these walls. At the western end of the mansion, nestled within the sprawling complex, was a two-story building known as the “Back Building” or “Dressing Room.” Its intricate latticework and unique “concave” shape, forming a courtyard in its center, are a testament to the architectural creativity of the era. Yikuang had this building constructed for his concubines, blending Western architectural styles for a distinctive touch. The eastern section housed the main halls, where grand banquets and theatrical performances took place. Although most of this section is gone, remnants of a back hall still stand. Imagine the vibrant scene during Yikuang’s birthday celebrations or other joyous occasions when he would host lavish banquets. Theatrical performances, lasting three days, added to the festivities. The most celebrated Peking Opera stars graced the stage of the \u5e86\u738b\u5e9c’s theater, a spacious two-story building able to accommodate hundreds of guests. Sadly, this architectural gem met a tragic end in 1971, when a fire during a performance of the revolutionary opera “The Red Lantern” engulfed the structure. Today, the western part of the \u5e86\u738b\u5e9c stands as a protected cultural relic, a testament to the intricate lives and shifting fortunes of the Qing dynasty nobility. It also marks the blend of Western and Eastern influences within a traditional setting.