King Xiang’s Mansion, also known as Xiangwang Mansion (襄王府), served as the residence of Zhu Zhanshan, the fifth son of Emperor Renzong of the Ming Dynasty. In the first year of the Zhengtong era (1436 AD), the mansion was relocated from Changsha to the southeastern corner of Xiangyang City and rebuilt, covering an area of approximately 40,000 square meters. It boasted three main halls, five rear halls, three gates, and three ceremonial gates, along with eighteen auxiliary rooms on both sides, showcasing a grand and imposing architectural ensemble.
According to records in the “Annals of Xiangyang Prefecture,” at that time, the walls of Xiangyang City stretched for a circumference of 7.5 kilometers, with King Xiang’s Mansion occupying one-third of the city’s area. Throughout its history, the mansion witnessed the reigns of seven generations and eight kings. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, it suffered a devastating fire, and although efforts were made to reconstruct it afterward, its former glory was never fully restored. In 1641, during the invasion led by Zhang Xianzhong, Xiangyang fell, and the mansion was destroyed, leaving only its monumental decorative screen (known as a “zhaobi”) preserved to this day.
The zhaobi stands at an impressive height of 7.6 meters, spanning a width of 26.2 meters and a thickness of 1.6 meters. Crafted in imitation wooden structure and adorned with white marble borders, it features a central carving of “Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl,” flanked by two colossal dragons soaring amidst “Flowing Clouds and Ocean Waves.” Surrounding the central motif are exquisitely carved frames featuring sixty-four smaller dragons in various poses, adding to the overall magnificence of the structure. With its solemn form, exquisite carving, bold style, and majestic presence, the zhaobi stands as a precious artistic treasure among stone carvings.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 15 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0710-3433316 |
Location and Transportation
King Xiang’s Mansion is situated at the eastern end of Lvyingbi Lane, in the southern part of Xiangyang City, Hubei Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 1, 5, 13, 14, 78, 536, or 539 and get off at Qingzhensi Stop (清真寺站).
