The grand gate, ceremonial gate, main hall, second hall, official residence, and upper chambers along the central axis of Zhonglu are the core structures of the Governor's Mansion, while the faithfully restored displays within each hall also serve as the mansion's primary exhibits.

Following the architectural feature of "front office, rear residence," the restored display creates a distinct exhibition atmosphere, seamlessly blending the solemn and dignified ambiance of "main gate, ceremonial gate, grand hall, and secondary hall" with the serene and peaceful vibe of the "official residence and inner chambers."

The main gate: The black, three-arched gateway of the Governor-General's Mansion faces south from its position atop a 1-meter-high platform. At the center above the gate hangs a prominent plaque inscribed with the words "Zhili Governor-General's Mansion." Outside the gate lies a secluded courtyard complex, comprising structures such as the east and west guardhouses, eastern and western entrance gates, a drum pavilion, a music pavilion, a screen wall, and flagpoles. Standing symmetrically in front of the gate are two imposing flagpoles, originally erected during the Republican era by Cao Yin, the Inspector General of Zhili, Shandong, and Henan (restored in 1994), each towering at 33.6 meters high.

The Yimen: In the past, the second gate of an official衙 (government office) was called the Yimen, serving as the place where the host would greet and bid farewell to guests. During feudal times, officials of different ranks followed elaborate ceremonial protocols when meeting one another. Typically, civil and military officials of a rank comparable to that of the governor would arrive at the office, and it was the governor himself who would step out through the Yimen to warmly welcome them into the main hall. Meanwhile, lower-ranking officials were restricted to using the side gates—east for civil officials and west for military ones—located on either side of the Yimen.

The Jieshi Archway, also known as the "Gong Sheng Ming" Paifang, features a striking four-column, three-roofed wooden structure. Facing south, it proudly displays the three large characters "Gong Sheng Ming," inscribed in the elegant calligraphy of Huang Tingjian, a renowned Northern Song dynasty calligrapher. This inscription serves as a moral guideline for officials, emphasizing that only through fairness and impartiality can one truly discern the essence of matters—hence the saying, "Gong Sheng Ming," meaning "Fairness gives rise to clarity, while bias breeds darkness." On the north-facing side, another set of sixteen characters penned by Huang Tingjian is carved: "Your salary and wealth come from the people’s hard-earned labor; yet the common folk are easily oppressed, while Heaven’s justice is ever-watchful." Every time an official steps into the hall and stands before this archway, these profound words serve as a constant reminder, warning that any attempt to bend the law for personal gain will ultimately defy divine retribution.

Lobby: Known as the "Main Hall," the lobby spans five bays in width and features a three-bay porch at the front. Originally constructed in the early Ming Dynasty, it was later converted into the main hall of the Governor-General’s Office for Zhili Province during the Yongzheng era (1730). Inside, the hall exudes an atmosphere of solemnity and dignity, with meticulously arranged ceremonial guards—clearly symbolizing the authority of officialdom in feudal society. This was the very place where the governor-general would receive imperial decrees, host grand celebratory ceremonies, and conduct significant government affairs. The hall has been faithfully restored to reflect the historical setting during Li Hongzhang’s tenure as Governor-General of Zhili Province.

Second Hall: The Second Hall features a five-bay facade, all topped with traditional gabled roofs covered in flag tiles. This hall served as the governor’s reception area for visiting officials and a venue for official meetings. It was also where the governor personally reviewed cases every "Yamen Period," specifically on days ending in "5." To the east side of the Second Hall lies the Council Chamber, used by the governor to confer with his staff, change into formal attire, or take brief rests before entering the main audience hall. On the west side, you’ll find the Document Preparation Room, which functioned as a workspace for secretaries and clerks—where they accessed or organized case files while assisting the governor in handling official matters. Additionally, this room doubled as the governor’s personal office, where he would draft official documents and correspondence on behalf of the administration.

The official residence features a five-bay-wide structure: the central bay serves as an open hall, while the two eastern rooms are designated as the "Inner Signing Room," where the governor typically reviewed incoming documents and handled official business. To the west lies the governor’s private study, a serene space where he would pore over classics, practice calligraphy, read, and even paint. It was in this very room that Zeng Guofan penned his influential "Encouragement to Study" for students of the Lianchi Academy in 1869, during the eighth year of the Tongzhi reign.

The Main Residence: The main building spans five bays in width, with two side wings on either end and three ancillary rooms on each side. These structures are connected by covered corridors, serving as the living quarters for the Governor and his family. Normally, outsiders are not permitted to enter at will.