Introduction of Shikumen

Shikumen came from the migration after the Small Swords Rebellion and the Taiping Revolution in 1853. At that time, the buildings were simply made of wood. Shikumen gradually developed its own style with beautiful stone gates and capacious courtyards. The word “shikumen” means “Stone Warehouse Gate”. 

Shikumen are not only functional and but also artistic. They contain the Eastern style of traditional Chinese courtyard and decoration of Western styles such as Art Deco, Baroque, Flemish, Spanish and French. The neighborhoods of Shikumen are usually called “lilong”, which means alleys. 

Shikumen plays an important role in Chinese history. The former Jewish Ghettos and residences of writers, actors, and revolutionaries were formed in Shikumen. Many Shanghainese films in the 20th century chose Shikumen as the scenes.

The Current Condition of Shikumen

The Shikumen which are related to the Communist Party were preserved as exhibition centers and became tourist destinations. Also, the commercial Shikumen became popular, such as "Xintiandi" redesigned by Benjamin Wood and the renovated "Tianzifang". However, a large number of traditional Shikumen neighborhoods are disappearing. 

石庫門介紹

石庫門逐漸由1853年的小刀會戰亂與太平天國起義而形成。建築在當時僅僅由木材製成。石庫門漸漸從門楣和寬敞的庭院形成自己的風格。石庫門，即由石材“箍”住的門。

石庫門既有功能性又有藝術性。其擁有傳統中國四合院的東方風格，也擁有西方例如裝飾藝術風格，巴洛克風格，佛蘭德風格，西班牙風格和法式。石庫門建築群通常被稱作“里弄”，意思是小巷。

石庫門在中國歷史上扮演著重要的角色。猶太人區，作家、演員與革命著等故居都位於石庫門。許多20年代的上海電影取景於石庫門。

石庫門現狀

石庫門關於共產黨的建築被保護成展覽中心並成為旅遊目的地。商業石庫門也變得受眾，例如田子坊和由Benjamin Wood再設計的“新天地”。然而，大量的傳統石庫門建築正在逐漸消失。