24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
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24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Introdution
Shikumen (Stone Warehouse Gate) is the unique local residence in Shanghai. Combined with Chinese and Western architecture styles, the residences were appeared in the 1860s. Tianzifang and Xintiandi are famous for the Shikumen in Shanghai. There are still about 2 million Shanghai people living in Shikumen houses. Shikumen are 2 to 3 stories town houses. Decorated with modern elements, Shikumen is becoming a new fashion in Shanghai. Nowadays, Shikumen are mainly located in Huangpu, Luwan and Jing’an Districts.
Structure
Shikumens are two- or three-story structures resembling Western terrace houses or townhouses, distinguished by high brick walls enclosing a narrow front yard. The name "stone gate" references these strong gateways.
Each residence abuts another and all are arranged in straight side alleys called longtang. The entrance to each alley is usually surmounted by a stylistic stone arch.
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.
History & Background
Origin
This style of housing originally developed when local developers adapted Western-style terrace houses to Chinese conditions. Migrant labourers from surrounding provinces entered Shanghai in large numbers with the establishment of Shanghai as a treaty port in 1843. The 1853 Small Swords Rebellion and the Taiping Revolution drove more migrants and refugees into Shanghai. With the upsurge in demand, property developers began to build a large number of residential buildings for the new Chinese residents of the city. At first, these tended to be wooden buildings that were cheap and quick to build. These wooden buildings were built as terraces, and usually name with "Li" (?) as suffix. These were the first "lilong" buildings in Shanghai. Within 10 months from 1853, 800 dwellings of this type were built.
Because of their flammability, this type of construction was banned by concession authorities in Shanghai. However, with a burgeoning property development market in Shanghai, developers adapted these wooden terraces into the Shikumen. They used the traditional Chinese "litie" technique of wooden frame and load-bearing brick veneer construction, and for each residence used the traditional three-sided courtyard or four-sided courtyard layouts commonly found in the Jiangnan region.
Development
Shikumen residences had a much smaller footprint than traditional courtyard residences, and were accessed by narrow lanes. They were also cheaper to build than Western-style houses. Although more expensive to build than the wooden terraces they replaced, they were sturdier and so attracted higher rents. They were first built in the British concession (later part of the International Settlement; and still later, the pre-merger Huangpu District), but quickly became popular throughout the Old City and Chinese zones, and came to become the predominant form of residential construction in Shanghai. The high profit attracted a whole swathe of property companies to enter the shikumen market.
From the 1910s, various innovations were made to the shikumen in response to social change. With a burgeoning middle class, designers increased the width of lanes between terraces, but the width of each dwelling decreased - from a three-bay hall and two side wings (as was standard in the 19th century) to a two-bay or one-bay hall, and one side wing. Decorations became more elaborate: the main doors of the houses acquired the characteristic elaborate lintels, featuring architraves, archivolts and pediments. By around 1919, increasing population pressures and an increasing wealth gap encouraged the development of smaller, but better equipped, "new type" shikumen. "New type" shikumen were three storeys tall instead of two, and were equipped with modern sanitary equipment. Great emphasis was placed on natural lighting, with most shikumen orientated towards the south, and an internal staircase skylight or atrium to supplement the front and back courtyards. Developments became larger, with a trunk lane leading off the street, and branch lanes leading off the trunk lane. Cars became more popular, so the trunk lanes were typically designed to accommodate cars.
Later history
The heyday of the "new type" shikumen was in the 1920s. From the 1930s they were replaced by newer building types, including newer types of lilong residences, as well as larger modern apartment buildings, before the civil war and the Second Sino-Japanese War completely disrupted the property market in Shanghai.
Information
Admission Fee: Free
Add: Shanghai
Best time to visit: Spring,Autumn
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road), Jade Buddha Temple, Old French Concession
Tour Style：Incredible Shanghai Highlights Day Tour is a comprehensive Shanghai one day tour tailored for those who have just one day to experience the city’s top attractions. This fully guided tour offers the expertise of a knowledgeable Shanghai private tour guide, ensuring that you make the most of your limited time. As you explore Shanghai’s highlights, you’ll gain valuable insights into the city’s rich culture, history, local lifestyle, and future developments. With complete flexibility, you can either follow a pre-designed itinerary or customize your tour to suit your interests, allowing for a unique Shanghai experience tailored to your preferences. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this Shanghai one day tour provides a well-rounded view of the city, making it ideal for travelers seeking an immersive and efficient exploration. Whether you're interested in historical sites, modern marvels, or local culture, this tour ensures that you see the best of Shanghai in a single day.
Duration：3 Days, 2 Nights
Attractions(Cities)：Datang Sleepless City, Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show and Dumpling Banquet, the Terracotta Warriors, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Ancient City Wall, Xi’an Museum, and Muslim Quarter
Tour Style：Step aboard a high-speed train from Shanghai and begin a graceful journey into the heart of Xi’an—where imperial grandeur and lively street culture intertwine in perfect harmony. This thoughtfully curated Xian tour from Shanghai invites you to explore the city’s timeless treasures: marvel at the silent majesty of the Terracotta Warriors, wander through the serene courtyards of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and trace centuries of history atop the Ancient City Wall. As twilight descends, Xi’an glows with enchantment—lanterns shimmer in the Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City, where music, dance, and Tang-style elegance recreate the splendor of a bygone age. In the Muslim Quarter, fragrant alleys lead to sizzling local fare and vibrant flavors. A highlight awaits in the form of a delicate dumpling banquet, followed by a spellbinding performance of Tang Dynasty music and dance. With expert guides bringing each story to life, this Xian tour from Shanghai is more than a trip—it’s a poetic encounter with China’s enduring soul.
Duration：3 Days, 2 Nights
Attractions(Cities)：Summer Palace, Beijing Hutongs, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube
Tour Style：This expertly curated 3-day Shanghai to Beijing tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and architectural wonder. Led by a professional local guide, you’ll explore Beijing’s most iconic sites—from the political heart of Tiananmen Square and the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City, to the peaceful Summer Palace and the sacred Temple of Heaven. Walk through the traditional Hutongs to experience the charm of old Beijing, then head to the breathtaking Mutianyu Great Wall for panoramic mountain views, with an optional cable car for added comfort. On your way back, enjoy photo stops at the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, striking symbols of China’s modern era. With seamless service, expert commentary, and a thoughtfully planned route, this tour delivers a rich, immersive taste of Beijing—all in a single unforgettable day.
Duration：3 Days, 2 Nights
Attractions(Cities)：Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, Beijing hutongs, Tiananmen Square, Fobidden City, Summer Palace
Tour Style：This unforgettable tour package from Shanghai is designed for travelers seeking a perfect blend of history, culture, and authentic local experience—all in a single, well-curated day. Stand before the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and walk along the breathtaking Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing, two of China’s most iconic landmarks. Discover the grandeur of imperial China as you explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the serene Summer Palace, each filled with rich stories and historical depth, brought to life by your expert guide. Dive into local culture as you wander through the bustling Muslim Quarter and the maze-like Beijing hutongs, where tradition lives on in every courtyard and alleyway. With professional guiding, smooth transfers, and thoughtful service throughout, this tour offers a deep and engaging look into China’s timeless heritage—crafted to leave you inspired.
Duration：8 Days, 7 Nights
Attractions(Cities)：Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing
Tour Style：Want to make the most of your time in Shanghai and beyond? This 8-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou & Nanjing Tour Package offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic relaxation, taking you through some of China’s most enchanting cities—often described as “heaven on earth.” With the company of a friendly and knowledgeable private guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of each destination’s rich history, unique charm, and local traditions. The flexible itinerary allows you to explore at your own pace, whether you’re strolling through ancient gardens, cruising peaceful lakes, or discovering hidden alleyways. Every detail is thoughtfully arranged to ensure a personalized, comfortable, and unforgettable journey through eastern China.
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