Shen Hall, originally named Jingye Hall and later changed to Songmao Hall, was constructed in the seventh year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (1742 AD) by Shen Benren, a descendant of the wealthy merchant Shen Wansan. It is divided into seven sections with five gate towers, showcasing the grandeur of a wealthy family’s residence.
Shen Hall is a must-visit attraction in Zhouzhuang, where visitors come to explore the history of the wealthy Shen Wansan. The layout and structure of Shen Hall are as follows: The first section is the water wall gate, which served as a private dock for the Shen family to moor their boats; the second is the entrance hall; the third is the tea pavilion, used to entertain guests of ordinary status; the fourth is the main hall Songmao Hall, reserved for distinguished guests; the fifth is the large hall where women lived; the sixth is the small hall; and the seventh is the dining hall, adjacent to the kitchen.
Key attractions of Shen Hall include the brick-carved gate tower, the main hall, the treasure basin, and the bronze murals. The gate tower between the third and fourth sections is the most exquisite among the five, with beautiful brick carvings and the inscription ‘Accumulating Virtue and Spreading Light’ in the center. The main hall Songmao Hall is spacious and majestic, with old-fashioned hidden windows visible upon looking up. In the small hall of the sixth section, there is a statue of Shen Wansan, in front of which is a glittering treasure basin, said to bring wealth to those who possess it. Bronze murals on both sides of the service passage recount the legendary life of Shen Wansan.
The second floor of Shen Hall, known as the ‘Zouma Lou’, requires an additional fee for visitors to explore. From this vantage point, one can view the various courtyards of Shen Hall from a different perspective and even peek into the private quarters of the ladies of the house through the hidden windows, offering an intriguing experience.
Shen Hall is open all year round from 07:30 to 21:00. It is advisable to visit on weekdays, early mornings, or evenings to avoid peak tourist times, especially during holidays when the site is particularly crowded.
