Mandarin House

The Mandarin’s house, located in the opposite of a famous cultural square Largo do Lilau, was the former residence of a legendary figure in modern China, Zheng Guanying, who was a man of business, a great thinker and also a national capitalist.

With a marvelous floor area and a large courtyard, Zheng’s House is the best representative of the architecture style in Qing Dynasty. It is a combination of both traditional forms of Chinese and Western building. Thus you may discover various decorations like window grille, door head and corridors beautifully managed.

Admission to the House is free. Going inside, you will open a new field. Spend an hour or so going through the various rooms (some are closed off to the public), and enjoy some nice art, furniture and architecture. It is a lovely and tranquil place to fully appreciate the culture.

History

The Mandarin House is a residential compound originally owned by reformist and literary figure Zheng Guanying in the late 19th century, who inspired Sun Yat-Sen, Mao, Chiang Kai-Shek and other Asian leaders. The property was included in the 2005 UNESCO World Heritage for the Historic City Center of Macao. However, it was not opened to the public in 2010 after several years of restoration.

It had a large garage (for servant-carried chairs), garden, several courtyards, several rooms, etc. displaying a mix of Chinese and Western detailing. There was a mini-museum devoted to his life and teachings. It's both a window into how the rich families of Macao lived before as well as a museum to Zheng’s life and works.

Though from a mandarin family, Zheng went into commerce working for British firms in Shanghai and other places, and became one of Imperial China's most successful businessmen. And he wrote a thoughtful book, Words of Warning in Prosperous Times, explaining why the West was dominating China, and what China had to do to turn that around via reform.

The restoration has preserved the flavor of the original houses, but also gives you plenty of information about its past and residents. It’s highly recommended to visit this quiet place, especially if you are interested in the history of Macao.

You can easily read short plaques on the walls that give information about the history of the house and the restoration. And there are two rooms with TV playing documentaries, so you get a grip of history.

House and Architect

If you like historic architecture and places full of serenity, you'll enjoy this house. Walking through the entrance to the hall, to the back yard, living room, sleeping room, guest area, dinning area, garden and praying room, all these compartments for different functions, you may feel that you are living in the past.

Besides those well-maintained rooms, the classical furniture and vases with flowers are really enjoyable. It was so quiet and peaceful that gives you a chance to reflect on how it might have been. It's as if you had been invited into the elegant home of a wealthy mandarin during the last days of the old Imperial Chinese.

Wonderfully and accurately restored, the Mandarin's House is also a good example in architecture. Those interested in location-sensible designs will enjoy it for its architectural quality; those exploring Macao's bustling streets will appreciate it for its tranquility, quiet courtyards, peaceful light and small, understated garden. Because the mandarin worked with and studied Westerners, the house is an interesting blend of Chinese and European, like so many else in Macao.

Have Fun with Other Highlights

After learning about the history of Zheng and Macao, also strolling around the house, you may get a little bit tired, then in the house, you can enjoy some special moments. On a couple of occasions, there have been classical concerts held; one was playing the music of American composer, which was pretty cool.

And in one of the buildings was a large traditional Chinese orchestra band playing a free concert. That is really fantastic. It will play regularly, so maybe you'll be lucky to enjoy this musical feast.

In addition to free admission and true cultural and historical enjoyment, there is also free wifi. Don't forget to check out the gift shop. You can find various souvenirs here, which are not too expensive.

During Chinese New Year, the Mandarin House is particularly attractive and worth visiting. At this time of the year, the compound is filled with mandarin trees, blossom trees and other Chinese New year plants and decorations.

The House is not far away from A-ma Temple and Maritime museum, so if you got the chance and time, you can visit them in a day.

Location:

No. 10 at Dragon Head Left Lane (Longtou Zuoxiang), Macao

How to Get There?

Take bus No. 18 or 28B and then get off at Largo do Lilau Station.

Ticket Price:

Free

Opening Hours:

10:00-18:00; Close on Wednesday.