The Last Emperor Puyi's Jingyuan Garden | A rare tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle

Jingyuan Garden, established in 1921, was originally named Qian Garden and served as the residence of Lu Zongyu, the envoy of the Beiyang Government to Japan. From July 1929 to November 1931, Puyi lived here with Empress Wanrong and Consort Wenxiu, renaming it 'Jingyuan', meaning 'tranquility to nurture my vast spirit'. The garden features a brick-and-wood structure that blends Spanish and Japanese styles, representing a typical private residence of the Tianjin Concession era. Today, I feel it also embodies the 'tranquility within noise'. The entire street is lively without being noisy, and the flow of people is not as dense as in places like the Five Avenues, allowing for a comfortable stroll through the entire scenic area without crowding. The lawn and shaded chairs in front of the fountain in the courtyard, due to the leisurely presence of resting visitors, give off a high-end vibe reminiscent of a golf course from afar. The small western-style building is also exquisite and stylish, instantly transporting one to the life of a Republican-era noble. 📍Location: No. 70, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 🚇Transportation: Metro Line 1, Anshan Road Station, Exit A 🎫Ticket: 20 RMB ⏰Opening hours: 9:00-17:30 Scenic Area Layout 1️⃣ Puyi Exhibition Hall Originally a waiting area for those seeking an audience with Puyi, it now displays photographs and has a screening room that plays a loop, lasting about ten minutes, providing a brief introduction to the history of Puyi and Jingyuan before touring. 2️⃣ Main Building Three stories high, combining features of Japanese wooden architecture with Spanish architectural style. The door's structure and materials are typically Japanese, simple and natural, yet its sloping roof, use of cylindrical tiles, and interior details bear the distinct style of Spanish medieval architecture. 3️⃣ West Courtyard A place for enjoyment and leisure, the arcade's continuous arch design is of medieval Spanish architectural style. There is also a fish-shaped spring here, which Puyi was fond of, and a similar dragon-shaped spring was built in the pseudo-Manchukuo palace. 4️⃣ Jingyuan Restoration Exhibition Hall Photos and technical introductions from the restoration of Jingyuan. It's hard to imagine that this exquisite little western-style building once became a large, dilapidated courtyard housing 45 families. After relocation and renovation, it was restored to its former glory according to the principle of 'restoring the old as it was'. 5️⃣ Zhuyi Coffee This coffee shop is located inside the Jingyuan scenic area. No reservation is needed, and you don't have to buy a ticket to have coffee. Call the shop, and someone will let you in~ The most famous is their 'Puyi Latte', which is aesthetically pleasing and fits the atmosphere of the shop.