Prince's Mansion

Prince's Mansion

In the southeastern corner of Qianguo County lies a small town shrouded in an air of mystery called Halamotu. Whether viewed from atop the Black Horse Obo Mountain to the west of the town or glimpsed from the deck of a boat cruising along the Second Songhua River, this town always emerges through a veil of mist as delicate as gauze, exuding a profound and rustic charm. This town was once the site of the Government House of the Guoerluosi Front Banner, one of the ten mighty ruling clans of Jirim, a princely domain that held sway over the region.

Historical records indicate that from the first Banner Prince, Gumo, who held the title of Jasak Beile (Supporting Duke), to the last Banner Prince, Qimotezhamubu, spanning both the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 300 years, this place served as the hereditary residence of the noble princes. By the late Qing Dynasty, it had also become the political center of the Nen Khorchin region.

The mansion was formerly known as Gongye Mansion or Gongyingzi, named after the location of the Jasak Beile’s residence. It wasn’t until Qimotezhamubu was granted the title of prince that it came to be called the Princes’ Mansion.

The mansion is situated on the left bank of the lower reaches of the Second Songhua River, 35 kilometers from the county seat. It faces vast, fertile plains in front, is backed by verdant hills covered in flowers and trees, has undulating hills to the west, and dense woods to the east. Two kilometers east of the woods, the Second Songhua River meanders slowly from the southeast to the northwest. Behind the mansion, on the back hill, lies a unique and majestic natural landscape—rock formations known locally as "Fake Beijing." Legend says these were caused by a massive earthquake 500 years ago. Over the years, shaped by wind and rain erosion, nature’s artistry has created this distinctive wonder of China’s northern frontier.

The mansion served as the official residence of the last prince, Qimotezhamubu, and was a grand feudal estate of Mongolian aristocracy. It is a rigorously structured palace-style architectural complex, initially built in the fifth year of the Republic of China (1916 AD). The entire complex covers an area of 457 zhang, with perimeter walls 105 zhang in length and 1.55 zhang in height. Fortresses are positioned at each of the four corners and the center of the western wall. The compound has both a south gate and an east gate—the south being the main gate, the east a side gate. The main gate is 1.6 zhang wide and 9.6 chi tall, while the side gate is 1.3 zhang wide and 9.6 chi tall. Both gates are made of wood, painted bright red, inlaid with iron trim, densely studded with gold nails, adorned with mythical beast knockers, and not only exquisitely decorated but also solidly built. The gate towers feature flying eaves, double dragons along the ridges, iron horse ornaments, and wind bells, presenting an elegant and solemn appearance. In front of the gates, steps are made of long strips of bluestone, flanked by stone lions. At the center stands a screen wall stretching over 3 zhang from east to west, built of brick and stone. A plaque hangs on each side of the screen wall: the front reads “Receiving Blessings,” the back “Welcoming Auspiciousness.” Behind the screen wall and in front of the main gate stand four flagpoles in a row, with roots 1.8 chi in diameter and heights over 3 zhang. Their tops are adorned with polished bronze ornaments that shine brilliantly. On each side are six horse tethering posts, each topped with intricately carved monkey-shaped decorations.

Most of the buildings within the mansion feature corridor-style architecture. The entire estate is divided into left, middle, and right sections according to hierarchy, comprising seven courtyards and over 640 rooms. The first courtyard serves as the guest reception area, flanked by sitting rooms and guest rooms. Behind the reception area is the barracks, with 11 rooms on each of the east and west sides, housing a company of guards that later expanded to a regiment. The second courtyard is the prince’s administrative office, which includes the main hall, prison cells, and living quarters for civil and military officials. Commonly referred to as the “Yamen Palace,” it is overseen by the seal keeper (“Bai Jinda”), who manages the mansion’s administrative affairs such as economic management and tax collection. The main hall is where lawsuits and official business are handled. The prison cells include general cells, death row cells, and water prisons. Additionally, local offices and rent collection agencies set up by the mansion in cities such as Changchun, Nong’an, Dehui, and Changling also fall under the jurisdiction of the administrative office, handling rental and tax matters for those areas.

The fifth courtyard houses a Buddhist chapel, enshrining Sakyamuni and the Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokiteshvara. Incense burns daily, and the sounds of bells and chimes never cease—it is a place where the prince, his wife, and daughters pray for blessings and protection from disasters. The inner residence of Prince Qimotezhamubu is located in the sixth courtyard. The main room consists of seven bays, with five bays on each of the east and west sides. The main chamber features double-dragon ridges, carved beams and painted rafters, golden dragons coiling around pillars, exuding lavish splendor. The courtyard is surrounded by winding corridors and interlocking eaves, creating a spectacular sight. The beams and eaves are adorned with intricate carvings of birds, fish, flowers, landscapes, and human figures—all finely crafted, lifelike, and charming. Windows, partitions, and screens of various styles are arranged in an elegant layout, offering a refined and comfortable ambiance. The interior is floored with red felt and painted walls. In the center of the hall stand two large stoves taller than a person, roughly ding-shaped and decorated with dragons and phoenixes, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The room contains tall full-length mirrors and a variety of matching furniture made from precious woods such as rosewood, ironwood, and golden-thread nanmu, along with precious paintings, antiques, and calligraphic couplets and plaques penned by renowned artists from the capital and Mongolia. There are also invaluable rare jewels. Each side of the main room has an ear chamber, and next to each is a moon gate leading to the garden and side courtyards.

The mansion’s garden is located on the western side of the compound and includes an orchard, rockery, and flower beds. The flower beds feature temperature-controlled greenhouses with over 1,800 varieties of flowers blooming year-round. The mansion also houses a gymnasium and a band. The gymnasium is a unique sports facility where events like wrestling are often performed for the entertainment of the prince and his entourage. The band consists of 23 members, many of whom were outsiders who moved into the area during the early Republic of China or selected from among servants of the mansion or temples. They receive an annual salary of 10 dan and wear military uniforms made of officer cloth. The band performs to entertain during the prince’s send-offs or banquets.