Site of the Heavenly King’s Mansion

Detailed Introduction to the Site and Architectural Features of the Heavenly King’s Mansion in Nanjing 1. Overview of the Site Location: Inside the Presidential Palace, No. 292 Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province Historical Evolution: - Ming Dynasty: Served as the Han Prince’s Mansion, later became the mansion of Zhu Gaoxu, the second son of Zhu Di (called "Xuyuan"). - Qing Dynasty: Converted into the Office of the Viceroy of Liangjiang; during the southern tours of Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong, it was used as a temporary palace. - Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Period (1853): The Taiping Army captured Nanjing (renamed Tianjing), and Hong Xiuquan expanded it into the Heavenly King’s Mansion, serving as the political and cultural center. - Late Qing to Republic of China: After the Xiang Army captured Tianjing in 1864, the Heavenly King’s Mansion was burned down and later rebuilt as the Office of the Viceroy of Liangjiang; in 1912, Sun Yat-sen took the oath here as the Provisional President, and it later became the Presidential Palace of the Nationalist Government. - Protection Status: Listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 1982; currently, only the West Garden, main hall, and warm pavilion remain, with some scenes restored in 2002. 2. Architectural Features 1. Overall Layout - Inner and Outer City Structure: - Outer City “Sun City”: Approximately ten li in circumference, featuring the Tianchao Gate, imperial moat, bridges, screen walls, and bell and drum towers, presenting a grand and imposing atmosphere. - Inner City “Golden Dragon City”: Centered around the Golden Dragon Hall, connected to the second and third halls and the rear forest garden, reflecting a strictly hierarchical palace layout. - Garden Landscape: The existing West Garden (originally "Xuyuan") retains the style of classical Jiangnan gardens, with a hexagonal pavilion, Fangsheng Pavilion, pond with stone boat, and rockeries where remnants of Hong Xiuquan’s “Lunyin Stele” were found. 2. Core Buildings - Golden Dragon Hall (Main Hall): - Structure: Double-eaved with colorful paintings, carved beams and painted rafters, once hung with plaques reading “Peace and Unity” and “Heavenly Kingdom on Earth,” dazzlingly magnificent. - Function: The place where Hong Xiuquan handled state affairs and received envoys; currently restored with the Heavenly King’s throne, gold-inlaid dragon pillars, and red-crowned crane sculptures showcasing luxury. - Warm Pavilion and Passage Hall: Transitional spaces connecting the main hall and the rear palace, reflecting palace life scenes. - Study and Privy Chamber: Restored to show Hong Xiuquan’s working environment, displaying desks, inkstones, guzheng, and other cultural relics; the plaque “Famed for Erudition” highlights his cultural pursuits. 3. Decorative Style - Religious and Power Symbols: Architectural paintings feature dragons, tigers, lions, and elephants; dragon decorations inside the Golden Dragon Hall emphasize Hong Xiuquan’s identity as the “Heavenly King.” - Elegant Garden: The West Garden creates a serene atmosphere with ponds, rockeries, and pavilions; the “Unmoored Boat” stone boat inscribed by Emperor Qianlong adds a finishing touch. (Text by Xiaoyi)