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Shen House (built 1742)

The Shen house was constructed in 1742 by Shen Benren, a descendant of Shen Wansan--a wealthy landowner who lived in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. The house comprises seven courtyards and over a hundred rooms. The space is roughly divided into three sections, with the first section closest to the canal consisting of the water gate and a wharf for boats. The middel section contains a tea hall and main hall for entertaining guests and holding important ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. Private living quarters and a kitchen area occupy the rear section of the house.