This is a unique classical building, which looks like a boat anchoring on shore. There is a small bridge leading to this building. The bridge, without rails, is regarded as the gangboard. Its lower section is named the Fragrant Islet. The two characters Fragrant Islet on a horizontal tablet were written by Wen Zhengming, the designer of this garden. The upper section is called the Watching Clear Water Tower. A large mirror in the cabin reflects the scenery around the Bamboo Studio beyond the pond. This is a good example of the garden building technique of contrasting the real with the unreal and of borrowing perspectives.
    Such a classical building is known as a dry boat. It combines four basic forms of Chinese architecture: pavilion, terrace, chamber and tower. The terrace serves as the deck of a boat. Linking the boat is a stone bridge without rails which serves as the gangplank. The pavilion serves as the shelter in front of the passengers' cabin, which is actually a water side chamber. The tower with two storeys indicates the boat is a double decker.
    The rear cabin of the boat is lined with carved stone banisters dating from the Ming Dynasty. Southwest of the dry boat is the Magnolia Hall of Ming Dynasty construction. Facing a secluded garden court, the hall is believed to have been Wen Zhengming’s painting studio.