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Located in the center of Shanghai City south of Huaihai Zhong Lu, Shanghai Xin Tian Di has become an urban tourist attraction that holds the historical and cultural legacies of the city. Shanghai Xin Tian Di is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of Shikumen and modern architecture style.
Shanghai Xin Tian Di is unique because of its concept of construction. It retains the antique walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai. On the other hand, its interior embodies a totally different world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or theme restaurants. When you walk into Xin Tian Di, you will get the taste both of Shanghai in the 1920's and the sonic modern lifestyle of urbanites of the 21st century.
The Development Concept of Shanghai Xin Tian Di
The Shikumen Building appeared in the mid-1800's, and is a product of Chinese and Western architecture styles. In the early 1900's, it was the residential buildings of Shanghai citizens. The building represents modern Shanghai history and culture. However, with the development of the city, the formerly glorious Shikumen gradually faded out the historical stage as it could no longer satisfy people's demands of residence. Thus, the idea of rebuilding Shikumen buildings was launched by the developer of Shanghai Xin Tian Di in 1997.
As we all know, big cities or metropolises of the world all have their representative buildings which reflect the local history and culture, and which also become renowned tourists attractions. Shanghai Xin Tian Di was established with this phenomenon in mind. The result was to endow Shikumen building with new commercial value by changing its function of residence, changing old blocks into a new world full of life! Thus, not only the typical Shikumen architecture of Shanghai City was kept, but a block of commercial area was also developed by Shanghai Xin Tian Di.
Xin Tian Di is divided into two parts: the South Block and the North Block. The South Block mainly consists of modern architecture with Shikumen architecture as an accompaniment. Its North Block kept the old Shikumen architecture style, forming a contrast to the modern South Block.
South Block: As the complex of shopping, entertainment and leisure, the South Block covers 25,000 square meters (6.2 acres) and opened in the middle of 2002. This glass wall building has a very modern atmosphere. Besides restaurants from all over the world, boutiques, fashionable ornament shops, food courts, cinemas and one-stop fitness centers provide places of leisure and entertainment for customers and tourists from home and abroad.
North Block: Composed of antique Shikumen buildings with inner modern design, decoration and equipment, the North Block features upscale stores and restaurants with cuisine from different countries such as France, Brazil, America, Japan, Germany and Italy, fully revealing the international level of Shanghai Xin Tian Di.
Xingye Lu, the dividing line between two blocks, is the site of First Congress Hall of the Communist Party of China. The Shikumen buildings along two sides of the street have become the scenery embodying both the historical and artistic features of Shanghai.
Xin Tian Di attracts the eyes of people from all over the world. Famous stars open their restaurants or shops in Xin Tian Di, which become good places for fans to communicate with their idols. Except for that, the fascinating cabaret and cellar dinning room of the French restaurant, the inspiring rock music played by the Japanese music restaurant and the folk performance of South America in the Brazilian restaurant leave people with great impressions.
Shanghai Xin Tian Di is where 'yesterday and tomorrow meet in Shanghai today'. It embodies the comfortable and convenient life of the 21st century, having all conveniences such as an automatic elevator, central air-conditioner and broadband network. Its boutique keeps in pace with international fashion. Also, the typical Shikumen buildings of old Shanghai seem to be telling people beautiful stories about the history and culture of the city.
Shanghai Xin Tian Di has become the best place for tourists to appreciate the history and modern life of the city, and is also a meeting place for local citizens and foreign visitors.