MANILA, Philippines - The Macau government, through the Macau Cultural Bureau, continues to restore and conserve its heritage and after eight years of restoration work, has opened to the public a magnificent piece of cultural treasure, the Mandarin House.
The 4,000-square meter, two-story open-plan dwelling was built in 1869 as Zheng’s Family Mansion.
Zheng Guanying was a late Qing Dynasty merchant and political reformer who composed the important treatise, “Words of Warning in Times of Prosperity” while he lived in the historic residence.
In the past, the house had an unobstructed view of the inner harbor and the hustle and bustle of boats and ships as well as the rolling hills across the river.
Having completed this restoration work, the government has plans to build a museum in the house and a memorial in its backyard for the Chinese thinker and reformer.
The Mandarin House, characteristic of traditional Guangdong residences, features the unique fusion of architectural influences from Western cultures. It is Macau’s biggest historic residence and is located in Travessa de Antonio de Silva.
Nearby must-see tourist destinations include the Lilau Square, St. Lawrence’s Church, the Moorish Barracks and A-Ma Temple — each representing Macau’s multicultural background in a mix of striking architectural features.
The residence is open daily, except Wednesdays and Thursdays. Since the entire house can accommodate only 100 visitors at any given time, priority is given to those who have pre-registered at the official website (http://www.wh.mo/mandarinhouse/en/).