Royal performance

You may have visited the Forbidden City, passed through the massive red gates and been amazed by the lavish world of the past Emperors. And you've might have also watched a Peking Opera, a popular pastime for royal families. Now you have a chance to be transported back in time and get a taste of what it was really like for the imperial family to watch their favorite opera.

The Prince Gong's Mansion (Gong Wang Fu), China's largest and best-preserved Qing Dynasty Siheyuan (courtyard) has been transformed into a massive theater and is now showing classic Peking operas. Located west of Shichahai, in central Beijing, it is the largest and best preserved royal residence in China. Built in 1776 as the home of He Shen, Emperor Qianlong's (1736-96) favorite minister, its 61,000 square meters includes living quarters and an extensive garden. In 1852, Emperor Xianfeng (reigning 1851-61) bestowed it to his younger brother Yixin, or Prince of Gong.

Two stone lions guard the main gate, and magnificent buildings stand to the fore of the mansion, with an elegant garden located at the rear.