Xintiandi: Shanghai's Stylish Shikumen District (2026 Guide)
Discover Xintiandi's blend of heritage architecture and modern dining. Best restaurants, bars, shopping, and how to explore this upscale neighborhood.
Xintiandi: Where Old Shanghai Gets a Modern Makeover
Xintiandi (新天地), meaning “New Heaven and Earth,” transforms traditional Shanghai shikumen lane houses into an upscale dining and entertainment district. These 1920s stone-gate buildings, once home to working-class families, now house some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | North Block + South Block |
| Vibe | Upscale, international |
| Best For | Dining, drinks, evening strolls |
| Price Level | Mid-to-high range |
Understanding Xintiandi
What is Shikumen?
Shikumen (石库门) literally means “stone-gate door”—a distinctive Shanghai architectural style blending Chinese courtyards with Western row house design. Built mainly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these structures originally housed multiple families in compact lane neighborhoods.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Stone gate entrance | Decorative frame, heavy wooden doors |
| Gray brick facades | European influence |
| Interior courtyard | Chinese tradition |
| Two-three stories | Compact urban design |
Xintiandi’s Approach
Unlike many redevelopment projects that demolish old buildings, Xintiandi preserved the shikumen exteriors while completely modernizing the interiors. The result: Instagram-worthy heritage architecture housing contemporary businesses.
The Layout
Xintiandi divides into two main sections:
North Block (北里)
| Character | Dining, nightlife, entertainment |
|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Lively, especially evenings |
| Best time | Dinner through late night |
| Highlights | Restaurants, bars, outdoor seating |
South Block (南里)
| Character | Shopping, cafes, culture |
|---|---|
| Atmosphere | More relaxed |
| Best time | Afternoon, early evening |
| Highlights | Boutiques, Shikumen Open House Museum |
The two blocks connect via Xingye Road, where you’ll also find the historic First National Congress of the Communist Party site.
Getting There
By Metro (Recommended)
| Station | Lines | Exit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xintiandi | 10, 13 | Exit 6 | Most direct |
| Huangpi South Road | 1 | Exit 2 | 5-minute walk |
From Nearby Attractions
| From | Method | Time |
|---|---|---|
| The Bund | Metro Lines 10 or walk | 20-25 min |
| Yu Garden | Metro or taxi | 15 min |
| Tianzifang | Walk | 15 min |
| People’s Square | Metro Line 1 | 10 min |
Best Restaurants
Xintiandi offers some of Shanghai’s finest dining. Reservations recommended for dinner.
International Cuisine
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Din Tai Fung | Taiwanese | ¥100-150/person | Famous soup dumplings |
| Paulaner Brauhaus | German | ¥150-250/person | Craft beer, hearty food |
| Hai Di Lao | Hot pot | ¥150-200/person | Late night, great service |
| Xindalu | Shanghainese | ¥200-400/person | Upscale local cuisine |
Cafes & Casual
| Spot | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks Reserve | Coffee | ¥45-75 |
| Wagas | Healthy casual | ¥60-100/person |
| Baker & Spice | Bakery/brunch | ¥80-150/person |
Bars & Nightlife
| Venue | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TMSK | Jazz cocktails | Live music some nights |
| Boxing Cat Brewery | Craft beer | Shanghai brewery |
| Various wine bars | Wine focus | Multiple options |
💡 Pro Tip: For the best outdoor seating experience, visit on a pleasant evening and grab a table along the pedestrian lanes. The people-watching is excellent.
Shopping
Xintiandi’s retail focuses on boutique and lifestyle brands:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fashion | Designer boutiques, concept stores |
| Lifestyle | Home goods, accessories |
| Art & Crafts | Galleries, specialty shops |
| Shanghai souvenirs | Higher quality options |
Xintiandi Style Mall
The adjacent modern mall offers:
- International fashion brands
- More shopping options
- Climate-controlled comfort
Cultural Stops
Shikumen Open House Museum (石库门博物馆)
See how ordinary Shanghai families lived in these lane houses during the 1920s-30s.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South Block |
| Price | ¥20 |
| Time needed | 30 minutes |
| Worth it? | Yes, if interested in history |
First National Congress Site
The building where the Chinese Communist Party was founded in 1921 sits right on Xingye Road.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free |
| Hours | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Note | Closed Mondays |
Best Times to Visit
By Time of Day
| Time | Experience |
|---|---|
| Afternoon (2-5 PM) | Quiet cafes, shopping |
| Early evening (5-7 PM) | Golden hour photos |
| Dinner (7-9 PM) | Restaurants at peak |
| Night (9 PM+) | Bars, nightlife scene |
By Day of Week
| Day | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | Moderate | Dining, photography |
| Friday night | Heavy | Nightlife |
| Saturday | Very heavy | Avoid if crowds bother you |
| Sunday afternoon | Heavy | Brunch |
Xintiandi vs Tianzifang
Both districts feature shikumen architecture, but they offer different experiences:
| Aspect | Xintiandi | Tianzifang |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Polished, upscale | Artsy, chaotic |
| Prices | Higher | More varied |
| Crowds | Manageable | Dense |
| Photography | Clean aesthetics | Gritty charm |
| Best for | Dining, drinks | Browsing, discovery |
💡 Pro Tip: Visit both! Tianzifang in the afternoon, then walk to Xintiandi for dinner and drinks.
Practical Tips
Budget Expectations
| Experience | Cost |
|---|---|
| Walking around | Free |
| Coffee | ¥40-70 |
| Casual meal | ¥100-150/person |
| Nice dinner | ¥200-400/person |
| Drinks | ¥60-100 per drink |
Payment
All venues accept WeChat Pay and Alipay. International credit cards work at most restaurants and shops.
Dress Code
Xintiandi has a slightly dressier vibe than other Shanghai tourist areas. Smart casual is appropriate for most venues.
Suggested Itineraries
Evening Only (2-3 hours)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 PM | Arrive, explore South Block |
| 6:30 PM | Shikumen Museum (optional) |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner reservation |
| 9:00 PM | Drinks in North Block |
Half-Day with Tianzifang (5 hours)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2:00 PM | Start at Tianzifang |
| 4:30 PM | Walk to Xintiandi (15 min) |
| 5:00 PM | South Block exploration |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner |
| 8:30 PM | Evening drinks |
Cultural Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | First Congress Site |
| 11:00 AM | Shikumen Museum |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at Xintiandi |
| 2:00 PM | Korean Provisional Government site (nearby) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xintiandi expensive?
Compared to average Shanghai prices, yes—it’s an upscale area. But you can enjoy the atmosphere for free by just walking around, and there are reasonably priced options mixed in with the splurge-worthy spots.
Is it touristy?
Yes, but it’s also genuinely popular with Shanghai’s international residents and business crowd. It’s not a “tourist trap” so much as an upscale destination that happens to attract visitors too.
How does it compare to the French Concession?
Xintiandi is more concentrated and curated. The broader French Concession area (including nearby Wukang Road and Anfu Road) offers more organic neighborhood exploration.
Is it good for families?
During the day, yes—it’s clean, safe, and walkable. Evening vibes shift toward adult dining and drinking.
How long should I spend?
Minimum 1-2 hours for a walk-through. 3-4 hours if you’re having a meal and drinks.
Related Guides
- Tianzifang Art District - Compare the two
- Korean Provisional Government Site - 5-minute walk
- Shanghai City Walk Tour - Includes Xintiandi
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Restaurant and shop tenants may change.
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