Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The most typical Shanghainese architectural form is the
lilong
or
longtang
(lane) neighbour-
hood. First built during the Taiping Rebellion (1853-64), when affluent Chinese from nearby
provinces fled to Shanghai and the safety of the Concessions,
longtangs
are a uniquely
Shanghainese hybrid: based on the southern Chinese courtyard house, the buildings have
multiple storeys and Western-style exterior decoration.
Traditional architectural flourishes in a shopping centre
Dreamstime
Lane neighbourhoods typically cover a city block, with a few entrances from the street that
can be locked by iron gates. Within the neighbourhood lanes are arrayed in a matrix pattern,
the stone-framed doors
(shikumen)
facing south. Because the houses are cramped, the
lanes are treated as living space, where laundry is done, hair is washed and vegetables are
peeled.
The concessions
