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Zhang House (built 1436-49)

The Zhang house is a sprawling estate with six courtyards and over 70 rooms. It was constructed between 1436 and 1449 by the descendents of Xu Kui. It fell into the hands of the Zhang family during the early Qing dynasty, after which it was called the Yuyan (Jade Swallow) hall or simply the Zhang house.

The estate follows design principles common to residences in the Suzhou area. The front of the house faces perpendicular to the public canal. Beyond the gate, a series of rooms and courtyards forms a central axis that defines the spine of the house. The axis terminates in a large garden facing smaller canals for private use. To either side of the main axis are auxiliary rooms, service spaces, and so forth.