Xintiandi is a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood in central Shanghai where shikumen houses, with their distinctive stone gateways and brick lanes, have been recast as restaurants, boutiques and bars. It’s a polished, often expensive version of old Shanghai, but the contrast between historic architecture and contemporary leisure is precisely what makes it interesting.
Shikumen homes emerged in the late 19th century, blending Chinese courtyard traditions with Western architectural influences. Xintiandi’s redevelopment preserved and reconstructed some of these buildings while transforming the area into an upscale destination; it also came at the cost of the original residential community. Nearby, the site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party adds another layer to the neighbourhood’s history.
Come for a walk through the lanes, a meal in a converted building or an evening drink when the terraces fill up. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter look at the architecture, and expect restaurant prices to be higher than in many other parts of Shanghai. Xintiandi station, served by metro lines 10 and 13, is a convenient starting point.