Background

Chinese House: A Rococo Jewel in Sanssouci Park

Discover the enchanting Chinese House in Sanssouci Park, Potsdam: a whimsical blend of Rococo and Chinoiserie architecture commissioned by Frederick the Great.

4.5

The Chinese House, or Chinesisches Haus, is a charming garden pavilion in Potsdam's Sanssouci Park. Built by Frederick the Great in the 18th century, it exemplifies the Chinoiserie style, blending Rococo elements with Chinese architectural motifs. Adorned with gilded sculptures and intricate details, it served as a decorative feature and a setting for small social gatherings.

A brief summary to Chinese House in Sanssouci Park

Local tips

  • Take your time to explore Sanssouci Park, as it offers numerous other attractions, including palaces, gardens, and historical landmarks.
  • Consider purchasing the Sanssouci+ ticket for access to multiple palaces within the park, including Sanssouci Palace.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to reach the Chinese House and other attractions within the expansive park.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Chinese House is located within Sanssouci Park, approximately 700 meters southwest of Sanssouci Palace. From the palace, follow the well-maintained paths through the gardens, enjoying the scenic views along the way. The walk takes about 10-15 minutes. Note that the park has an increased risk of falling branches due to storm damage, so it is only permitted to walk on the paths.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Chinese House via public transport, take bus line 695 or X15 to the 'Potsdam, Charlottenhof Bhf/Geschw.-Scholl-Str.' stop. From there, it's approximately a 1300-meter walk to the Chinese House. Alternatively, you can take a tram to Luisenplatz-Nord/Park Sanssouci and walk from there. A single fare ticket in Potsdam costs €3.80.

  • Shuttle

    From April to October, a free shuttle service operates within Sanssouci Park between the Grünes Gitter (Green Grille) and the New Palace. You can take the shuttle to the New Palace and then walk to the Chinese House, which is about 2.5 kilometers away. The shuttle runs daily from 11 am to 5:30 pm, but service may be limited due to volunteer availability or heavy rain.

Unlock the Best of Chinese House in Sanssouci Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Chinese House in Sanssouci Park

Nestled within the sprawling Sanssouci Park, the Chinese House stands as a testament to Frederick the Great's fascination with Chinese culture and the popular 18th-century Chinoiserie movement. Constructed between 1755 and 1764, this garden pavilion, also known as the Chinese Tea House, was designed by Johann Gottfried Büring. The structure was intended to embellish the flower and vegetable garden of the Sanssouci Summer Palace. The Chinese House's architecture is a captivating blend of Rococo ornamentation and elements inspired by Chinese design. The trefoil-shaped building is encircled by life-size, gilded sandstone figures of Chinese musicians and tea drinkers. These sculptures, crafted by Johann Melchior Kambly, Johann Gottlieb Heymüller, and Johann Peter Benckert, add a whimsical touch to the pavilion. Interestingly, locals modeled for these figures, resulting in slightly European features. Inside, the pavilion features three small cabinets and a round hall adorned with imaginative ceiling paintings. The walls showcase 18th-century porcelain, further enhancing the exotic ambiance. The ceiling painting depicts a lively Chinese gathering, adding to the immersive experience. While primarily decorative, the Chinese House also served as a venue for small social events hosted by Frederick the Great. Although a Chinese Kitchen was added to support these gatherings, it was later converted, leaving only the hexagonal windows as a reminder of its original Oriental character. Today, the Chinese House remains a popular attraction within Sanssouci Park, drawing visitors with its unique architecture and historical significance.

Popular Experiences near Chinese House in Sanssouci Park

Popular Hotels near Chinese House in Sanssouci Park

Select Currency