Shikumen

Shikumen are unique to Shanghai and were designed as part chinese courtyard style houses and part western terraced houses. They were built in the 20's and 30's when the city had to cope with sudden influxes of Chinese and foreign refugees during periods of upheaval outside the city. Designed as single family residences they were packed after World War II with a family per room.
The city is now trying to preserve some by reducing the numbers who live in them. They also make good short cuts for pedestrians, motorbikes and cyclists.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Shanghai
• China
• bicycle
• cycling

[weer1]

i am sure that these buildings will be wiped out from shanghai except for xintiandi.

[thecrashtestdummy]

The official policy is to reduce the number of people living in them and keep as many as possible. Sadly, most developers want them gone as they can get higher rents from another high-rise. Shanghai's former french concession still has the chance to become Asia's Greenwich Village wit mixed-use, old buildings and tree lined streets - but that chance recedes every time a Shikumen block is demolished.

[m0ds]

Awesome shot meggiee!!