Shikumen Museum, Shanghai

The Shikumen Museum in Shanghai is a hidden gem nestled in the trendy Xintiandi area. It preserves a typical shikumen (stone-gate) house, a traditional Shanghai architectural style that blends Western and Chinese elements. The museum is a faithful reconstruction of a 1920s residence, complete with period furniture, household items, and interactive displays. Visitors can walk through rooms like the parlor, kitchen, and bedrooms, gaining insight into the daily lives of middle-class families during the Republican era. The museum also features exhibits on the history of shikumen architecture and the evolution of the Xintiandi neighborhood. Its location in the heart of Xintiandi makes it easy to combine with shopping and dining.

Don't miss

• Fully furnished 1920s shikumen home with original artifacts
• Interactive exhibits on Shanghai's lane house culture
• Displays on the history of Xintiandi's urban renewal
• Period kitchen and courtyard with traditional details
• Rooftop terrace offering views of Xintiandi's modern skyline

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Shikumen Museum, Shanghai

Cheapest way inShanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking4★ · 17 travelers1–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →Best full dayPrivate Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights5★ · 1,217 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$115 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleShanghai Private Tour with River Cruise, Shanghai Tower, and Lunch or Dinner5★ · 33 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$177 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The museum is small; plan for about 45 minutes to an hour.
• Photography is allowed, but no flash in some areas.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through narrow corridors and stairs.
• Audio guides are available in English and Chinese.

A bit of history

Shikumen houses were built in Shanghai from the 1860s to the 1930s, combining Western row-house design with traditional Chinese courtyard layouts. The museum opened in 2007 as part of the Xintiandi redevelopment, preserving a piece of the city's architectural heritage.