A while ago we have already explained a lot of details about Shanghai’s signature architectural style of housing – 石库门 Shíkùmén, 'zakumen' in Shanghainese. Click here if you missed it!
For those who need a quick recap – short summary!
The Shikumen is a cultural blend of the elements found in Western architecture with traditional Lower Yangtze architecture and social behavior. Traditional Chinese dwellings had a courtyard, and the Shikumen was no exception. Yet, to compromise with its urban nature, it was much smaller and provided an interior haven to the commotions in the streets, allowing for raindrops to fall and vegetation to grow freely within a residence. The courtyard also allowed sunlight and improved ventilation into the rooms.
Architectural historians classify Shikumen into two types: the "old type" and the "new type".
The old type was predominantly built from the 1860s until the end of the First World War, while the new type prevailed from after the First World War until the development of Shikumen ceased after 1949.
In 2010, "construction techniques of Shikumen Lilong architecture" was recognised by the Chinese government on the national non-physical cultural heritage register.
If you spend your summer in the city, why not explore these peculiar neighborhoods full of fascinating and mysterious details hiding in every corner?
Here are our suggestions!
1.Cité Bourgogne (Bugao Li – 1930)
Address: 287 Lane, South Shaanxi Road, near West Jianguo Road, Huangpu District
It is a typical old type Shikumen development, although built in the 1930s. The neighbourhood includes 87 two-storey brick veneer residences with a red brick exterior. The trunk lane is about 2.5 wide, and there are numerous branch lanes. The lanes are noted for their main gateways, modeled after traditional Chinese pailou (a traditional style of Chinese architectural arch or gateway structure that is related to the ancient Indian torana temple gates). Cité Bourgogne is well preserved as a municipal heritage site, and remains mostly residential.Claimed Shanghai Heritage Architecture.
2.Jianye Li (1930)
Address: 440, 454, 496 Lane, West Jianguo Road (near Yueyang Road), Xuhui District
Heritage protected. The largest Shikumen neighbourhood which survives in a mostly original state.
A new type development located on West Jianguo Road and Yueyang Road, the development is composed of 260 residences, all of which are two storey red brick buildings. This development is noted for its use of traditional Chinese matou ('horse head') gables, and arched doorways. In 2003, the original residents were relocated, and the buildings were somewhat controversially renovated to become serviced apartments and to house restaurants and other commercial uses.
3. Shangxian Fang (1924)
4.Jixiang Li (before 1876)
5. Tianzifang (1912 – 1936)
6. Shude Li (1916)
Address: 374 Lane, South Huangpi Road, near Xingye Road, Huangpu District
No. 76 Xingye Lu (formerly No.106 Wangzhi Lu) is the memorial hall for the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Key historical relics site under national protection.
7.Fude Li (1915)
Address: 7 Lane, Chengdu Beilu , near Middle Yan’an Road, Jing’an District
No.30 Fude Li is the former site of the Second National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Xintiandi. A protected cultural relics unit in Shanghai.
8.Zhangyuan (1918)
9.Siming Cun (1920s)
Address: 913 Lane, Middle Yan’an Road, near Tongren Road
New style Lilong housing, Shanghai Heritage Architecture.
10. Xinxingshun Li (1930)
Address: 113 Lane, Jiashan Road, near Yongjia Road, Xuhui District
Information sources