Summer Aesthetics of Prince Gong's Mansion

A 32°C Adventure at Prince Gong's Mansion Standing in front of Prince Gong's Mansion, the heatwave mixed with the sound of cicadas hits me like a wall. My phone shows 32°C, but the sunlight on the gray brick walls feels hot enough to fry an egg. Squinting at the gilded plaque, I suddenly understand what "luxury in the heat" means—this century-old mansion doesn't appear worn out in the summer heat; instead, it resembles a vibrant ink painting awakened by the sun, with even the copper bells under the eaves gleaming brightly. 1. Breathing Colors in Architecture The moment I step through the vermilion gate, the heat is left behind. The painted wooden carvings on the flower gate depict mythical scenes, while the blue-green glazed tiles seem to embed the summer sky into the eaves. The guide explains that these colors are carefully chosen: the golden-yellow walls paired with dark green roofs not only signify status but also exude a commanding presence. Touching the relief on the shadow wall, the cool sensation surprises me—turns out the ancient use of white marble wasn't just for aesthetics; it also served as natural air conditioning for the building. In the rear garden, sunlight slants onto the Taihu rocks. These grayish-white stones are baked into varying warm tones, resembling giant jade sculptures under the sun. The grape trellis casts playful light spots on the brick floor, as if the mansion is secretly playing with shadow and light. The most fascinating feature is the caisson ceiling of the opera stage, with its layered brackets painted in crimson, resembling a blooming peony from afar. Up close, each wooden component reveals meticulous craftsmanship—this is the elegance of a wealthy household, stunning at first glance and enduring upon closer inspection. 2. Feng Shui Lessons Hidden in the Heat At noon, I squat by the lotus pond, watching koi fish cool off under the duckweed. The guide points to the arrangement of the rockery and says, "See how this stone mountain faces south? It captures sunlight while blocking the northern wind, creating warmth in winter and coolness in summer." I nod in semi-understanding, suddenly realizing why the water pool is dug in the southwest corner—during the dog days of summer, the evaporating water vapor indeed takes away some of the heat. Passing through the moon gate, a gust of wind sweeps through, and I notice the bat carvings on the door frame align with a distant chimney. This reminds me of the "wind and energy gathering" concept I read online—every brick and tile in the mansion seems to be in silent conversation. The most impressive feature is the study's hollowed-out lattice window, where the octagonal design fragments sunlight into golden flakes, casting a dynamic landscape of light and shadow onto the huanghuali wood desk. 3. Vivid Memories Born of High Temperatures Resting at the mansion's teahouse, the server brings a glass of chilled sour plum juice, with water droplets still clinging to the surface. As I drink, I notice the Su-style paintings on the beams become exceptionally vivid—the lotus held by the Guanyin child appears blood-red, and the flowing ribbons of the Eight Immortals seem to flutter in the heat. Only then do I understand why the craftsmen insisted on using mineral pigments—the stone blues and greens truly come alive under high temperatures, far surpassing the lifeless decorations in air-conditioned rooms. As I leave the mansion, I glance back at the bat pond under the sunset, where a few lotus flowers float on the water, and the reflections dye the entire building amber. The photos in my phone album now reveal their unique charm: the glazed tiles captured in the morning light shimmer with cool tones, while the brick carvings in the afternoon glow with warmth. The same eaves photographed at different times of day showcase three distinct textures. Suddenly, I feel this 300-year-old residence is like a master of wellness, knowing how to dance with the sun even in the scorching heat. As evening winds rise, I turn back to see the roof ridge beasts lined up, gazing at the horizon. Scorched by the midday sun, they now serve as cooling copper radiators. This mansion, after all, has mastered its unique way of adapting to the seasons through the passage of time.