Shijian Hall

Shijian Hall: Located at No. 12 Baota Street, Zhenze Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, it is a representative building reflecting the characteristics of the era and local features of late Qing Dynasty merchants and gentry conducting business. It was built in the sixth year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1801), covering an area of 2,746.54 square meters, with a construction area of 3,534.10 square meters, and has more than 150 rooms of various sizes. Shijian Hall is divided into two parts, north and south, by Baota Street. The combination of the main axis's regularity and rigor with the east-west axis forms the pattern of 'west residence and east garden' of the mansion. The architectural style is unique, integrating river wharfs, inns, shops, streets, halls, inner houses, gardens, and servants' quarters, displaying the unique charm of the Jiangnan water towns. Inside Shijian Hall, there are a total of 244 carvings, including 27 brick carvings, 4 stone carvings, and 213 wood carvings. The carving techniques are exquisite, and the patterns are delicate and vivid, with both the elegant charm of flowers, birds, and auspicious beasts, and the simple and solemn atmosphere of historical figures and legends. The garden has pavilions, terraces, towers, and artificial mountains, with ingenious design, making it one of the most exquisitely designed gardens in Jiangnan. Shijian Hall is not only an ancient building with historical and cultural value but also an important carrier of Chinese traditional culture, witnessing the historical changes and cultural inheritance of the Jiangnan water towns. On May 25, 2006, Shijian Hall was announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as the sixth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.