But i was regretful when Ric got uncomfortable and had to rest by the benches while i went round the place myself; so it was also done half-heartedly. Pardon my brief report here.
Touring the Prince Gong's could be conveniently done when there's a crew of pretty young guide volunteers (dressed in traditional Chinese embroidery pant suit) leading any formed group from the entrance for an overall tour of the ground; just follow any of them.
From this model of the Prince Gong's Mansion on displayed, i would think it more appropriately as the Prince Gong's 'Palace'; why do i constantly feel that it's a miniature of the Forbidden City!? Don't you think so?
Being the most exquisite and luxuriously built royal mansions in Beijing, layout of this residence heavily replicate that of the Forbidden City with its row of Gates and Halls in the centre, followed by some typical Siheyuan rooms at the side.
Then a spacious garden at the back of its compound!
But i would say living here was definitely a thousand times better than in the Forbidden City! No Walls! Try going to the Forbidden City and imagine living within the confinement of those tall red wall! :(((
I might just suffer serious Depression...
Blessing Culture, the 福 character
Last but not least, you would never miss out all the hype about the promotion of "福" blessing culture in Prince Kung's Mansion; the Chinese character was carved based on the calligraphy of Emperor Kangxi, bestowed upon the Mansion and displayed in the garden.
I do find it meaningful to note that a single Chinese character of "Blessing" is actually symbolic of multiple blessings in having abundance of sons, lands, talents and longevity!
It's no wonder the "Fu" was held in such high regards in the Chinese culture.
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