Prince Yi’s Mansion, also known as the Eighth Prince’s Mansion, is situated on the north side of West Chang’an Street in Xicheng District, Beijing, to the west of Fuyou Street. It was the residence of Yongxuan, the eighth son of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. In 1779, during the 44th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign, Yongxuan was enfeoffed as Prince Yi, hence the name Prince Yi’s Mansion.
The mansion was originally the residence of Geng Zhongming, the Prince of Jingnan, and was later rebuilt into a prince’s mansion. The former mansion was expansive, with five courtyards stretching from the mansion gate to the back covered building. It originally comprised 253 rooms and was known for its grand and profound layout.
In the late Qing Dynasty, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and the General Post Office were established within its premises. Over time, the mansion was requisitioned for various uses, and it no longer retains its former appearance. Today, only two courtyards in the east, a section of the mansion’s partition wall, and an attic remain. These are managed and utilized by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China.
The location of the current telegraph building also falls within the boundary of the former mansion. Prince Yi’s Mansion is open to the public from 08:30 to 17:00 every day from January 1st to December 31st.
