Visit Mandarin’s House (Casa do Mandarim), the historical home of Qing dynasty theoretician and reformist Zheng Guanying. It presents a fascinating insight into how Guanying and his family members lived for almost a century. Wander between the rooms and courtyards of the Mandarin’s House to discover architectural influences from across China and Europe.
Zheng Wenrui, who was Guanying’s father, built the house in 1869 and it remains the largest residence in Macau. It was here that Guanying wrote his acclaimed book Shengshi Weiyan (Words of Warning in Times of Prosperity). The Zheng family began to move out in the 1950s, after which the house fell into disrepair. Today it forms part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Macau and is noted as a showcase of Guangdong-style architectural mixed with western features.
Typical of Macau buildings, a shrine dedicated to the Earth god greets you upon entering the house and serves as symbol of financial status. Step through a moon gate and inspect plasterwork that depicts traditional Chinese themes. From here, stroll along the open-air passageway where guests would dismount from their sedan chairs. Browse more ornamentation in the study hall, which connects to a leafy garden.
An airy courtyard fronts the main building, made up of two mansions and characterized by a series of wooden shutter windows. Both mansions follow the Guangdong style, with the Yuqing Mansion being the most decorative and the principal quarters of the Zheng family. Admire the delicately carved 12-door folding screen. Don’t miss the lush green lawns and western-influenced archways and columns of the inner courtyard.
Find the house a short walk from Lilau Square, in the Historic Center of Macau. You can get here by catching public buses from most areas of the city. A-Ma Temple and the Maritime Museum are some nearby attractions.
The Mandarin’s House is open from Thursday to Tuesday and admission is free. Guided tours in Cantonese only take place on weekends.
