Shanghai Xintiandi Travel Guide
Highlights, History & Visitor Information
Shanghai Xintiandi is a fashionable Shanghai landmark renovated from a traditional Shikumen house. Based on the philosophy of "nurturing the old to discover the new," the area is a one-of-a-kind space where history and modernity are beautifully harmoniously blended, with international luxury brands, select shops, gourmet restaurants, and bars lining the brick alleys that retain the atmosphere of 1920s Shanghai. This "urban oasis" in Shanghai offers an extraordinary experience, where you can relax shopping and enjoying cafes during the day, and enjoy sophisticated dinners and bar time in the evening.
1. Main Highlights
🏘️ How to enjoy each area
Shintenchi is divided into several blocks, centered around Kitazato and Minamizato, each with its own unique charm.
• Shintenchi Kitasato:
This area has the highest concentration of renovated shikumen buildings. With brick alleys and arched entrances, it's picturesque at every turn. There are also many stylish bars, hidden restaurants and select boutiques here, creating a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.
• Shintenchi Minamiri:
This modern shopping mall is located across from Kitasato. It offers a wide variety of shopping and entertainment options, including domestic and international fashion brands, a cinema complex, and a large bookstore. Its contrast with the traditional scenery of Kitasato is striking.
• The Great Memorial Hall of the Communist Party of China:
Located in the Xintiandi area, this is the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party. It is also an important historical building and a must-see spot for anyone interested in modern Chinese history. Its impressive brick exterior is a part of the Xintiandi landscape.
2. History and Changes
📜 History and transformation of Shintenchi
• What is a Shikumen? Shikumen is a unique housing style that was built in Shanghai from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, blending Western and Chinese architectural styles. Characterized by stone gate frames ( "shikumen") and black wooden doors, the rooms are arranged around a courtyard. They were once the living spaces of ordinary Shanghai residents.
• Reviving shikumen: In the late 1990s, a group of shikumen buildings were destined for demolition as part of urban development, but the Xintiandi project revived them with the concept of "preservation, renovation, and revitalization." By renovating the interiors with the latest facilities while preserving as much of the historical atmosphere of the alleys and exteriors as possible, the project has succeeded in creating a unique cultural and commercial value that combines the old and the new.
3. Useful Information Before Your Visit
Atmosphere：Kitazato is for calm adults, while Minamizato is lively and for families.
4. Visiting Etiquette and Important Notes
• Photography: While the alleyways and architecture are highly photogenic, please be aware that many of the shops and restaurants are privately owned. Please refrain from taking photos inside shops or private spaces and observe good etiquette.
• Price range: Restaurants and bars tend to be mid-range to high-end. If you want to enjoy something casual, it's best to go during lunchtime or take a break at a cafe.
• Strolling around the area: If you go down an alley a little ways from the main part of Xintiandi, you will come across an area of shikumen houses where people still live. This lively scene is another face of Xintiandi, and gives you a glimpse of real everyday life in Shanghai.
5. Pandaland Trip's Original Tour Services
At Pandaland Trip, we not only provide smooth tours in Japanese but also offer unique services that bring out the true charm of new destinations.
• Detailed Explanation of Shikumen Architecture: Simply walking along the streets will not reveal the meaning behind the number of “Montei” (gate nails) or the intentions behind the architectural style’s intricate details. Our guide explains these in your native language.
• Guide to hidden gems: We will guide you to select shops hidden in the back alleys that are difficult for tourists to find on their own, as well as restaurants and bars frequented by local connoisseurs.
• Guided tour to photogenic spots: We will guide you to the most picturesque photo spots, popular on Instagram, and help you take wonderful commemorative photos.
• Suggestions for combining your visit with nearby tourist attractions: Xintiandi is within walking distance of the Memorial Hall of the Communist Party of China and the shopping streets of Huaihai Road. We will create an efficient sightseeing route and suggest a plan that allows you to experience the diverse charms of Shanghai all at once.
• Restaurant Reservation and Order Support: We fully assist with reservations at popular restaurants and ordering in cases where Japanese menus are not available, providing support in your native language.
To understand the details and stories that unfold in every alleyway, a guided tour by Pandaland Trip in your native language is the perfect choice.Your guide will be knowledgeable about Shanghai's culture and history and will show you all the things Xintiandi has to offer.
