As the best preserved prince’s mansion in Beijing, Prince Gong’s Mansion was originally the private residence of He Shen, a notorious corrupt official of the Qing Dynasty. After Emperor Jiaqing took over the throne from his father, Emperor Qianlong, he ordered the execution of He Shen, confiscated all his properties and bestowed the mansion on his brother Prince Qing. Eventually, Prince Gong became the owner of the mansion. Hence, it gained its name.