Prince Kung's Mansion dates back to the Qing Dynasty and recently made its presence in cyberspace. (Photo : www.pgm.org.cn)
Prince Kung's Mansion, a 200-year-old residence in Beijing, is currently generating a buzz when it launches itself on the Internet to spread good messages and merchandise, just in time for the Spring Festival this February.
China's major shopping site www.gongwangfu.tmall.com now carried the virtual store for the Prince Kung's Mansion. Definitely the country's first nationally protected cultural and historical establishment to have its own online store.
The virtual store now carries souvenirs for sale which include figurines based on real historical people and miniature animals. The highlights, however, are various figurines based on the character Fu, which in China means happiness, an ancient calligraphy by Emperor Xangxi (1654-1722). The actual historical calligraphy is carved on stone located in the actual mansion.
Prince Kung's Mansion director Sun Xuguang said that the "brand value is crucial for a cultural institution, old museums should update their mindsets to embrace e-commerce. An online flagship store will also help us to protect intellectual property."
Sun said that setting up 16,800 sets of Fu items is a pro-active strategy for the Mansion's brand awareness. He added that regardless of the coming Spring Festival, sending best wishes is the Chinese way.
Prince Kung's Mansion was built in 1777 for a wealthy court official named Heshen, during the rule of Qianlong (1736-96). When Heshen was executed years later, the mansion became the property of Aisin Gioro Yixin, who was later awarded the title of Prince Kung. Prince Kung held an important position in the Manchu royal family. The mansion covers an approximate area of 60,000 square meters.
Sun explains that the mansion represents half of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the only remaining living example of the Qing culture.
