From Hongkou district to the former French Concession, here is a selection of the 10 best Lilong (里弄), the traditional lanes of Shanghai.
Zheng Xiaoqiu: Between People’s Square and Shaanxi Road, in a shopping area where the property market is booming, you can find the most typical Lilong in town. Squeezed between two luxury stores of West Nanjing road, a big black gate will give you access to a real village inside the city. Here more than elsewhere, the Lilong is a social concept of life in community: large billboards with safety instructions as well as social life rules, water machine and fitness equipment, newspapers displayed for free... Located at 1025 Nanjing Road.
Tianzifang: for those who are discovering Shanghai, Tianzifang is the perfect example of Shikumen and Lilong. Its maze of renovated alleyways and souvenir shops attract trendy Chinese and Western tourists. The place is a little crowded but still very charming. The roof terraces are the best spots to really enjoy these lanes. Address: 1831 Taikang Road.
 |
| Cite Bourgogne |
Cite Bourgogne: it looks like a French working class compound back to the 1930s.With its red brick gate, this lane of Shaanxi Road brings us back to the French Concession's time. But once you passed the entrance, this is China! Address: 287 South Shaanxi Road.
Duolun Lu: South of Hongkou Park , you will find the Duolun lane with its statues of new wave philosophers and writers from the 19th century. This is home of several antiques dealers selling old posters, furniture, clocks, tins... A weird church with a “pagoda-style” roof is hidden behind the lilong, don’t miss it!
The Lincoln lane: located in the western part of the former French Concession, where Shanghai began to expand in the 1930s. These small buildings have been primarily built for the middle class. Nothing amazing from the outside, you’ll have to explore the lanes to enjoy the charming traditional courtyards. Address: 1562 Huaihai Lu.
Kunshan Huayuan Lu, one of my favorite! Hidden in one of the shortest streets in Shanghai, this is certainly one of the oldest lane. Built in 1860, it is one of the finest lane in terms of architecture: stone pilasters and pediments, sculpted lintel, walls with different bricks colors. Address: 860 Sichuan Road, Kunshan Huayuan Road.
 |
| Shikumen in Cool Docks |
The bucolic lane: in Hongkou district, north of the shopping street Sichuan Bei Road, a few lanes are still remaining between the buildings that have sprouted in the 1970s. Quiet atmosphere. Address: 1831 Sichuan Road.
Ferguson Lane, the Frenchy one: this courtyard is one of the most popular places amongst French expats. If you like real Italian pizza and wine in a bistro atmosphere, this is a place for you. Address: 376 Road Wukang
