Restoration of the former residence of Pan Shi’en, a top scholar who earned the highest score on the imperial exam and a prime minister in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), was completed in Suzhou of Jiangsu province.

It is the third pilot project for rebuilding ancient architectures.

The former residence of Pan Shi’en is located west of Niujia Alley at Lindun Road. In 1809, Pan Shi’en bought the house, which has three lines and six rows of rooms and a pond. The architecture has exquisite materials and techniques.

In 2006, the house was listed as a provincial cultural relic protection unit.

The house was shabby before restoration as food stands opened at the wall, the ground and roof was broken and the wooden structure was decayed. People living in the house decorated it in modern ways, destroying its ancient appearance.

The residence now is more than 2,600 square meters and features its ancient style. The 43-million-yuan ($7.06 million) project is under inspection. The house will be used as a scholar museum.