Shikumen Houses
Shanghai is famous for its Shikumen housing. This style of housing originated in the mid-19th century when, following an influx of migrants from neighbouring provinces, local developers adapted terraced houses to accommodate the population growth.
Blending Chinese architecture with elements of the west, Shikumen houses were built two or three storeys tall. The houses are protected by a high brick wall with a gateway at the entrance. The name Shikumen means ‘stone gate’ and alludes to the gateway to each house – ‘the Shikumen door’.
Passing through this door takes you into the front courtyard, and beyond that a parlour, the back courtyard, kitchen and back door. At either side of the courtyard and parlour lie the left and right wing rooms. The layout of the second floor is similar to that of the ground floor, with the attic above the kitchen.
Examples of the distinctive Shikumen style can be seen in Xingrenli, Dunrenli, Jixiangli and Mianyangli.
Built in a renovated Shikumen House, the Shikumen Open House Museum in Xintiandi allows visitors the opportunity to appreciate the history of these unique dwellings.