Tianjin Jingyuan

Tianjin Jingyuan

Tianjin Jingyuan is a national AAA-level tourist attraction, as well as a science education base and patriotic education base.

Originally named Qianyuan, this was the residence of Lu Zongyu, the Qing Dynasty’s envoy to Japan during the Beiyang Government era. From July 1929 to November 1931, Puyi, the last emperor of China, lived here with his empress Wanrong and concubine Wenxiu. The estate was then renamed “Jingyuan,” meaning “Garden of Serenity,” symbolizing the cultivation of one’s noble spirit through tranquility. The garden features an eclectic-style brick-and-wood building that blends Spanish and Japanese architectural elements, surrounded by lush greenery in a serene and pleasant setting. It is a typical example of private courtyard residences from Tianjin’s concession period.

A single residence holds the traces of several generations of owners, including high-ranking officials of the Beiyang Government, the last emperor and empress of the late Qing Dynasty, the Nationalist Commander of the Tianjin garrison, renowned contemporary writers and artists, as well as many ordinary people who left no names behind.

Stepping into Jingyuan feels like stepping through time and space. The hustle and bustle of the city center is blocked out by the high courtyard walls, leaving only the prolonged chirping of birds as a meaningful backdrop. It’s perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts seeking a peaceful, slow-paced visit.

Lu Zongyu’s residence is located at No. 70 Anshan Road (formerly Miyajima Street in the Japanese Concession). Built in 1921, it covers an area of 3,360 square meters. Originally called “Qianyuan,” in February 1925, Puyi was expelled from the Forbidden City and fled to Tianjin, initially staying at “Zhangyuan” before moving to “Qianyuan” in July 1929. Hoping to restore the imperial system and awaiting the right moment, he renamed “Qianyuan” to “Jingyuan.”

“Jingyuan” is a hybrid Sino-Western style residential courtyard complex, enclosed by 6.5-meter-high walls and a gated entrance. Upon entering, you’ll see three courtyards arranged in a pattern resembling “three rings around the moon”: the front yard, the rear yard, and the west wing courtyard. The front courtyard faces the main building, a two-story brick-and-wood structure with a partial third floor and a central pavilion. From the ground floor foyer and hallway to the balconies and pavilion on the second and third floors, each level recedes inward, creating a grand and stable façade. The main elevation is asymmetrical. The western section features an open corridor with exposed wooden columns, while the eastern section is enclosed, with spacious main rooms accentuated by protruding balconies and large windows, enhancing the overall visual effect of the building. The first floor includes a pantry, bar, dining hall, meeting room, and reception area; the second floor contains living rooms, studies, and bedrooms, all elaborately decorated with features such as wainscoting, built-in cabinets, display shelves, and bookshelves. Below are a semi-basement and boiler room. The front yard is a garden with poplar, locust, and lilac trees, trellises for wisteria and grapevines, a goldfish pond, and pebble-paved pathways, offering a tranquil atmosphere. Near the east wall are a guard room, kitchen, and garage. The rear yard is separated from the front by a short corridor and contains a small two-story brick-and-wood building with an inner corridor, totaling 16 rooms. At the west end of the main building, an 17-meter-long and 1.5-meter-wide corridor extends from the outer gallery, forming the west wing courtyard. The corridor walls feature symmetrical continuous semi-circular arches, allowing visual connection between the front and west courtyards. The west courtyard includes a built-in dragon-shaped fountain and large flower stands. At the other end of the corridor is a classic Japanese-style flower hall, with an artificial hill in front. All walls, including the outer walls, are finished with exposed stone, constructed with cement mortar and rubble surface. The balcony railings are adorned with fish-scale patterns made of small blue tiles or carved decorations on large square bricks, reflecting traditional Chinese architectural features.

Time Needed

40 minutes - 1 hour

Ticket

1. Admission: 20 RMB

2. Free Admission All Year Round:

Children under 1.2 meters tall;

Seniors aged 70 and above with valid senior ID or ID card;

Active-duty military personnel (including armed police) with valid service ID or officer ID.

3. Discounted Tickets All Year Round:

Seniors aged 60 and above enjoy a 50% discount with valid senior ID or ID card;

School students with valid student ID enjoy a 50% discount.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:30), closed on Mondays (except public holidays)

Address: No. 70 Anshan Road, Heping District

Tel: 27311618

Aisin-Gioro Puyi (February 7, 1906 – October 17, 1967), courtesy name Yaoshi, art name Haoran, was the last emperor of China and the final ruler in Chinese history. The grandson of Prince Chun, Puyi ascended the throne in the 34th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign. He abdicated after the Xinhai Revolution, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty. Following the Mukden Incident, he became the “Kangde Emperor” of the puppet state of Manchukuo. After Japan’s defeat, Puyi was repatriated to China, where he underwent re-education in the Fushun War Criminals Management Centre. In 1959, Mao Zedong granted him a special pardon, and he became a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Puyi passed away in 1967 due to...  More details about Aisin-Gioro Puyi++

Lu Zongyu (1876–1941), courtesy name Runsheng, was a native of Haining, Zhejiang. Born on May 14, 1876 (the second year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty), he went to Waseda University in Japan in 1898 (the 24th year of Guangxu) to study politics and economics. After returning to China in 1902 (the 28th year of Guangxu), he served as an instructor at the Jinshi Academy and Police Academy, as well as an official in the Patrol Police Department. On June 1, 1905 (the 31st year of Guangxu), he took the first examination for overseas students conducted by the Education Affairs Office and obtained the qualification of Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations). In the winter of 1906, he joined the five ministers, including Zaize, Dai Hongci, and Xu Shichang, on their overseas inspection tour...  More details about Lu Zongyu++