Welcome to Xi Cheng Lane!
There is a plaque with "Model Quarter" written on it by the entrance. I am not sure whether it is a tourist place but people are allowed to walk through this lane. I actually noticed entrances into a village just like this in between the bright and colorful boutiques (as shown below) but all were either locked or residents were only allowed in. So I was really happy to be able to enter this Model Quarter to have a look see!
It is amazing to see that people today are still living in such simple conditions. One glance and you would think you have entered into a warehouse area! The space per house is quite astonishing. The only modern equipment they have is the air-condition. Some houses have been refurbished and they looked quite modern in the inside. Some have maintained their houses since they were built.
Noticed the entrance to a lane of houses? It is a huge black iron wrought gate with Chinese characters above it. This is another entrance to another 'village'. This particular entrance only allow its residents to enter the gate.
Let's take a walk in Xi Cheng Lane
Guard house
When I entered the huge gates, it was as though I was thrown back in time. 1920s maybe? This is really like a small village by itself. Never would you have thought that Starbucks is just outside the main road!
Each door is the entrance to a tiny double-storey 'house'.
Laundry is hung outside the houses
Xichengli was built in 1926 on a shikumen architectural style. It was once the provisional government site for the Republic of Korea, the Shanghai workers 3rd armed uprising command site, and the former residence of Zhang Daqian.
Xichengli has a long history, profound cultural background and represents several generations of harmony and happiness.
Artist Li Shoubai, through contrasting technique of light and shadow, created this mural "Xichengli" aiming to portray its historical architectural features, the lifestyle of residents at the time, promote the historical preservation of Shikumen architecture and Haipai culture, and above all, to let people feel the happiness of life while looking at this artwork.
(2017)
Beautiful pets
Ladder leading to another room upstairs
Kitchen
This house looks original without any refurbishment
The Penthouse!!!
These should be the toilets!
Household waste sections
Once you stepped out of Xi Cheng Lane, there would be a row of upscale cafes and restaurants right in front of you. Amazing, ain't it?
I do hope Xintiandi will continue to preserve these 'villages' amongst the modern boutiques. It is an eye-opening experience for tourists around the world to learn more about China's history.
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