The Shanyin Road Historical and Cultural Block offers a glimpse into Shanghai's rich architectural heritage.

Nestled in the heart of Hongkou district, this 129-hectare area is a living museum showcasing the city's diverse residential styles from the 1930s and 1940s.

Strolling through the block's winding lanes, visitors are transported back in time. Shikumen lane houses, with their distinctive stone-gate entrances, stand alongside elegant garden villas and upscale apartments. The area's architectural gems include the terraced Liyang Road villas, the largest preserved group of British-style garden homes in Shanghai.

Beyond the buildings, the block holds deep cultural significance. Many famous writers, artists and intellectuals called this neighborhood home, including literary giants Lu Xun and Mao Dun. Their former residences, along with cultural sites like the China Academy of Art, are preserved as reminders of Shanghai's vibrant intellectual history.

With its harmonious blend of architectural styles and cultural landmarks, the Shanyin Road block offers a captivating window into Shanghai's past. Whether admiring the intricate details of a shikumen gate or imagining the literary salons that once filled these lanes, visitors can immerse themselves in the city's rich heritage.

A sweeping overhead view of the Shanyin Road Historical and Cultural Block in the Hongkou district of Shanghai. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources via WeChat account: gh_58d3794d89ee]

Sources: shtong.gov.cn, Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources official WeChat account