Jingjiang Wangcheng City (Jingjiang Princes' City)
Xiufeng District, Guilin, Guangxi, 541001
Jingjiang Wangcheng City, also called the Jingjiang Mansion, was the seat of the Jingjiang Family, who reigned in this part of China between 1368 and 1644. The mansion was designed to function as the inner city of Guilin, with extensive halls, pavilions, and more than 40 secondary buildings surrounding the main mansion.
The basics
The property was built in the typical imperial style and according to the strict rules of the Ming Dynasty, which can be seen in the yellow walls that are topped by tiered roofs and encircled by tall, red pillars. The property is also enclosed by a wall with the buildings, gates, the palace, gardens, and quarters arranged on a symmetrical axis. The center of this axis is a karst hill called the Solitary Beauty Peak, a towering 709-foot (216-meter) high mass of sharp limestone cliffs interspersed by green vegetation. Exactly 306 steps lead to the top of the peak, where visitors can find the Solitary Beauty Pavilion with its red pillars, as well as panoramic views over the now modern city.
As Guilin is most famous for its natural karst landscape, few tours stop at the mansion. If you’d like the added insight of visiting with a guide, consider booking a private tour of Guilin that allows you to design your own itinerary.
Things to know before you go
- Jingjiang Mansion is a must-see for history buffs or those looking to get off the beaten path.
- Book your ticket to the grounds online and skip the line at the ticket office.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to get there
Jingjiang Mansion can be found in the center of Guilin. The nearest bus station is Lequn Road, serviced by buses 1, 22, 30, 99, and 100.
When to get there
Jingjiang Mansion is open daily throughout the year, though hours vary by season. As one of Guilin’s frequently overlooked attractions, the grounds rarely get crowded, even during peak season.
History of Jingjiang Mansion
The history of Jingjiang Mansion is older than that of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The grounds took more than 20 years to complete, and over the course of history, it serves as home to 14 regional princes and 12 generations. During the Qing Dynasty, the mansion was used as an imperial examination hall, and as Sun Yat-Sen’s base camp during his expedition to the north. Today, the mansion sits on the grounds of Guangxi Normal University.
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