The Palace Wang Fu, located in Liu Yin Street, Xicheng District, was the largest palace in the Qing Dynasty. Palace Wang Fu was originally the private residence of a scholar named Xiao Shenyang during the Qianlong period of Qing Dynasty. It is said that several princes of Qianlong had discussed that no matter who became emperor in the future, Xiao Shenyang should be removed. The 17th Prince Yong said, "No matter which brother will succeed to the throne in the future, I will be satisfied as long as I am given the mansion in Little Shenyang!" Later, after Xiao Shenyang was executed, Emperor Jiaqing left this mansion to his younger brother Lin Yong.
In the early years of Tongzhi, the third generation owner of this house became Prince Gong Yixin, who was powerful for a while and repaired and rebuilt his mansion. At that time, the building scale and layout of Gongwangfu that we see now were formed.
According to documents, Prince Gong's Mansion is located on the west bank of the capital Qianhai, which is a treasure trove of geomantic omen surrounded by "Panlong Water". It used to be a large-scale temple with strong incense and many tourists. Later, the temple was gradually abandoned. After the Qing Dynasty entered Beijing, Xiao Shenyang took a fancy to the geomantic omen here and bought it at a high price, making it a famous "harmony".
Gongwangfu is half a magnificent and exquisite mansion and half a deep and beautiful classical garden, covering an area of nearly 60,000 square meters. The building is majestic, second only to the palace where the emperor lived, and now it is a national key cultural relics protection unit.