The Charm of Nature – A Tranquil Oasis in the Heart of the City
The "nature" in Xintiandi is a meticulously planned garden art that blends into the urban fabric.
Taiping Lake: A "Sapphire" Embedded Next to a Shikumen Gate
This is the largest public water feature in downtown Shanghai, covering approximately 12,000 square meters. The lake's surface, like a mirror, reflects the surrounding Shikumen houses with their black tiles and the glass curtain walls of skyscrapers, creating stunning photographic views. The 1.2-kilometer-long lakeside promenade is planted with over forty species of plants, including ginkgo and red maple, offering distinct scenery in each season. At night, musical fountains and light shows are frequently performed, with the "Eye of Xintiandi" fountain installation on the lake interwoven with light and shadow, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Sycamore shade and neighborhood greenery: the rhythm of a stroll
Tall plane trees line both sides of Taicang Road and Xingye Road, which run through the neighborhood. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the blue brick walkways, creating one of Shanghai's most iconic street scenes. Small green spaces and carefully arranged potted plants in the neighborhood inject soft vitality into the strong architectural lines, creating a pleasant walking scale and a sense of relaxation.
Humanistic craftsmanship: A dialogue across time and space between stone and glass
Every blue brick and every black-lacquered door here tells a story of the past, while the interior is pulsating with the global trends of the present.
Shikumen Buildings: A Living History of Shanghai Architecture
- Exposed brick walls, black lacquered doors, and Baroque-style lintels are the core elements that identify Shikumen (stone gate houses). Strolling through the North Block is like stepping into 1930s Shanghai, but pushing open any door might lead you to a world-class gallery, a designer boutique, or a Michelin-starred restaurant. This extreme contrast of "history outside the door, fashion inside" is the most captivating charm of Xintiandi.
Xintiandi Dongtai Lane: A Modern Expression of a Future Neighborhood
As the latest chapter in Xintiandi, Dongtai Lane preserves the century-old Dongtai Road fabric while constructing an open "street + box" layout. Its landmark is a 6,500-square-meter panoramic dome covering several buildings, creating a comfortable walking space unaffected by weather. Here, you'll find not only trendy retail and terrace dining, but also the revitalization of historical buildings such as the former residence of Zhang Taiyan and Lagena Primary School into cultural and artistic spaces, allowing history to continue to resonate in a contemporary context.
The site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China: The starting point of the red aspiration.
This Shikumen building on Xingye Road is the birthplace of the Communist Party of China. Its solemn historical atmosphere, just steps away from the fashionable hustle and bustle of Xintiandi, creates a profound spiritual dialogue. Visitors can trace the footsteps of the revolution here and understand the deepest roots of this land's "newness."
Photography Tips:
The classic shooting location is in the Shikumen alleyway in the North District, where you can use depth to shoot the blue brick walkway and black lacquered gate. The texture is best when the light is oblique in the early morning and late afternoon.
A contrast between the past and present is captured on the shores of Taiping Lake, with the lake in the foreground, while simultaneously showing the Shikumen rooftops against the skyline of modern skyscrapers.
Humanistic documentary captures the leisurely crowds in open-air cafes, the working moments of street photographers, or the bustling street scenes under the neon lights at night.
Under the panoramic sky above Dongtai Li, the trendy landmark uses the geometric lines and light and shadow of the building to capture futuristic images.
