Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best
Architecture
Shanghai's sense of self as an erstwhile Paris of the East is inseparable from its
architecture. The city is a stuffed treasure chest of architectural styles: Buddhist
temple architecture, concession-era villas, homely alleyway houses, grandiose
baroque banks, art deco apartment blocks, postmodern towers and dramatic sky-
scrapers topped with weird sci-fi protuberances. Whatever style floats your boat,
Shanghai has it.
Lilong & Shikumen
The Shanghai equivalent of Beijing's charming
hutong
alleyways and courtyard houses are
its
lilong
alleys (also called
longtang
) and low-rise
shikumen
, or 'stone-gate houses'.
A distinctive blend of East and West,
shikumen
houses married the traditional Chinese
courtyard house - with its interior courtyard features and emphasis on natural light - with
the neat brickwork rows of English terrace housing.
Modern Architecture
Since the 1980s a brave new world of architects has been refashioning the Shanghai sky-
line. The dramatic and modern Pudong skyline, along with parts of Puxi, is testament to the
newfound optimism and confidence that now define the city. New edifices such as the
Shanghai Tower (under construction) reflect this resurgence that has completely trans-
formed the architectural heritage of Shanghai in under two decades.
Best Concession-Era Buildings
Fairmont Peace Hotel
An art deco masterpiece and landmark. (
Click here
)
Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Building
This neoclassical colossus was once the largest
bank in Asia. (
Click here
)
