Do you feel like you’ve already visited all of Berlin’s architectural landmarks ? From a historic mill complex surrounded by greenery to Sanssouci Park—the quintessential attraction with its countless enchanting spots—there’s plenty to discover. But the famous palace and garden complex has much more to offer: Did you know that a golden Chinese garden pavilion is also hidden here? The Chinese House in Sanssouci Park is one of the most extraordinary structures in Potsdam’s park landscape.
With its gilded figures, ornate Rococo decorations, palm-shaped columns, and historic porcelain, the pavilion almost looks like a little fairy-tale castle in the middle of the greenery. It’s not located in Berlin itself, but in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. Frederick the Great had the Chinese House built in the 18th century as a garden pavilion for his summer residence . Architecturally, the building combines European Rococo with Chinoiserie, a style popular at European royal courts at the time. This is not authentic Chinese architecture, but rather a European interpretation and fantastical vision of Chinese art and culture. The round central section of the building is flanked by three side cabinets and surrounded by numerous elaborately designed figures.
Particularly striking are the gilded figures sitting and standing around the pavilion. They depict people eating, drinking, and making music, among other activities. Adding to the scene are unusual columns shaped like gilded palm trees, which further emphasize the building’s exotic character. The figurative decorations were created by sculptors including Peter Benckert and Johann Gottlieb Heymüller.
The elaborate design continues inside as well. The Chinese House features a large banquet hall and three smaller rooms. The walls are adorned with gilded consoles displaying 18th-century porcelain. Another highlight is the large ceiling painting in the banquet hall, which depicts an idealized Chinese society set against an illusionistic architectural backdrop. Exotic motifs and animals such as parrots and monkeys are also part of the design.
The Chinese House is now more than 250 years old and is part of the historic ensemble of Sanssouci Park. The park, in turn, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin.” The entire World Heritage Site spans approximately 500 hectares and comprises about 150 buildings constructed between 1730 and 1916. This places the small golden pavilion in the heart of one of Germany’s most significant historic cultural landscapes.
You’ll still be able to tour the interior of the Chinese House in 2026. During the season from May through October, it’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The building is closed on Mondays, as well as on September 2, 2026. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. From November through April, the interior is closed to visitors.
