After three attempts to visit this place, I manage to step into 恭王府. First two attempts were unsuccessful due to renovation and upgrading works for international folks in the upcoming Olympics.
Located in Qianhai(前海), this 61,000 sqm palace was built in 1777, by He Shen(和珅), a favourite minister of emperor Qian Long, as his private residence. But was later bestowed upon Prince Gong by emperor XianFeng. It is the most completely preserved royal residence which still exist today, and also the world's biggest courtyard ever built (四合院).
This white marble arch is called the Western-style gate (西洋门), which also is the main entrance into the palace.
There are over 20 windows here, look closer and you will find none of them are of the same shapes.
Forgot the story about this stone, but it is a figure of a mother carrying her baby in her arms.
The 蝠池 (Bat pond), was built in the shape of a bat, surrounded by elm trees that bears elm fruits, and these fruits are called elm coins, which keeps dropping into the pond, considered a symbol of wealth.
This is ... somewhere inside the 恭王府.
The stones are in the shape of two dragons guarding some pearl and treasure. The entrance leads to a place where the precious 福字碑 (Blessing stone) is stored.
福字碑, personal handwriting of emperor Kangxi (康熙). can't do much about the reflection of flash and can't do without it either in the dark cave.
Maybe somewhere for tea?
The garden is also called the Garden of Splendor (萃锦园), implying that it is a collection of unsurpassed beauty and charm.
The small tower/gazebo across the pond was supposed to look like a hat of the emperess.
Took this picture on the way out, will definitely visit this during summer for a different view.
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