Former Site of Chahar Provincial Governor's Office (Prince De’s Mansion)

Former Site of Chahar Provincial Governor's Office (Prince De’s Mansion)

The Former Site of the Chahar Provincial Governor's Office (Prince De’s Mansion) is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Former Site of the Chahar Provincial Governor's Office, also known as Prince De’s Mansion, is located at the triangular area of Mingde North Street in Shangbao, Zhangjiakou. It is the only relatively well-preserved Qing dynasty government office building in Zhangjiakou. The office faces south and measures 133 meters from north to south and 50 meters from east to west, covering an area of approximately 6,650 square meters. There are four courtyards that remain intact, with a well-preserved layout.

The Governor’s Office was first built in the 27th year of the Qianlong reign (1762) during the Qing dynasty as part of efforts to consolidate and maintain the feudal rule of the Manchu aristocracy. In the 17th year of the Republic of China (1928), when the province system was established, it became the office of the Kuomintang Chahar Provincial Government. During the Anti-Japanese War, Japanese imperialism supported the establishment of the puppet “Mengjiang United Autonomous Government” led by Mongolian nobleman Demchugdongrub. In 1941, Prince De moved his official residence here, and since then the Governor’s Office has been commonly referred to as “Prince De’s Mansion.” By the end of the Qing dynasty, 61 governors had served here, and during the Republic of China, there were 8 more governors and 13 provincial government chairmen. After the liberation, it served as the office of the Chahar Provincial People’s Government. It is now a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Hebei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units