Reminiscent of the times when the French ruled part of Shanghai, the Sinan Mansions is a quaint quarter of the greater French Concessions area. The neighborhood is dotted with colonial style houses with unique wooden and iron railings along stairs and balconies, lush gardens and an old school vibe. Ideal for romantic strolls, the area is brimming with cafes and restaurants where visitors can get a bite to eat and a drink to seal the deal.
There is no charge to tour this open-air Museum. Tourists can take Shanghai’s subway and get off at Huaihai station on line 1 and walk a bit further to reach the area. Once there, the feeling of calm permeates the air under the tall plane trees and the paved pathways lined with beautiful gardens and centuries old street lights. Going in the morning is just as pleasant but locals usually come here for the night life when it really comes alive.
Buildings in the French concessions area of Shanghai were built from 1820s to early 1900s and were quite worn out by time. Recently though Government has taken initiative to restore the area as a scenic destination and it has been spruced up in exact imitations of what the houses might have been during their time. Even the missionary church and dormitory of the French period, close to the area, have been renovated. Majority of the residences have been commercialized and taken over by hotels and restaurants without detracting from the architectural theme of the quarter. This provides an interesting contrast as visitors chance upon a ‘Fatburger’ or ‘Starbucks’ but done up so elegantly and totally without the usual tacky feel of these establishments!
The 51 residences in Sinan Open Air Museum were once inhabited by personalities of note from not only China, but every corner of the world establishing its worth as a posh area. There are signboards indicating the famous tenants and a bit about them outside the respective homes. However, now most of the home interiors have been replaced to suit new tenants. Of the few that still retain days of their glorious past is the residence of past premier of China, Zhou Enlai. It is open to tourists without charge and they really get to witness how a certain class of people lived at that time.
People come here to unwind from their hectic life in the metropolis. There is a bookstore where patrons can enjoy a quite while absorbed in the second-hand experiences of books. Upscale cafes and restaurants on either side of the street, some with tables and chair set up outside, set the mood for a memorable time spent with loved ones and friends. Couples love to take walks through the quaint and charming streets while tourists enjoy the picturesque and Instagram worthy photo opportunities provided by the old homes and gardens. Since 2018, the Government has even decided to have an Arts Festival in the area every May. So really, something for everybody at Sinan Mansions.