Stories of Shen Wanshan

Former Residence of Shen Wanshan

Shen employed Wang Xing as his children's tutor at Yin Zibin. Owing to Wang's excellent teaching method, he received Shen's gold rewards. Shen understood the benefits of an education for his children, knowing they could freely negotiate with foreign traders and enlarge his estates.

Build a street in front of Taoist temple

After living in Suzhou for some time, Shen discovered that many worshipers, travelers, craftsmen and vendors often crowded in front of Xuanmiao Temple. Thus, he built a street in front of the temple for pedestrians.

Build walls in Nanjing

Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), decided to enlarge Nanjing as his capital in spite of a shortage of money. Shen family agreed to invest in building walls from Gate Jubao to Gate Shuixi, as well as streets, bridges and government offices. With excellent constructors and careful supervision, the construction was completed three days before the schedule. But his wealth irritated the emperor, so he was deprived of all his belongings and sent to Yunnan province.

Life in Yunnan province

His five sons were named Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron and Tin. They accompanied him to Yunnan province. But people were jealous of his son’s good looks and informed the emperor that Shen took the fortune with them. The emperor gave an order to kill his sons. Tin took suicide at Gejiu, which became a tin mine. The places where his other four sons were killed were turned into copper mines in Yunnan province.

Confront the emperor

Zhu Yuanzhang commanded his troops to kill all the residents at Zhouhuang. Xu Minwang, a scholar at Zhouzhuang, bravely came to Nangjing to ask the emperor to absolve them. The emperor was moved by his courage and sent him home safely with his amnesty.

The tea-horse ancient road

Many friends came to visit him after he was sent to Yunnan. They suggested that he trade silks, china and crafts made in the Yangtze Delta region. He began a new chapter of his life.

Return home after death

Shen spent his last days in Yunnan province and died there. His relatives sent his body home and buried him near the Yinzi River in Zhouzhuang. It is said that at the end of the river, there is a spring that is always running. Under it is the tomb of Shen.