Shanghai Architecture: The charm of historical mansions and longtangs

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The streets of downtown Shanghai are like a museum of contemporary Chinese history, with many buildings from the early 20th century. Citizens and local government continue actively renovating many of the oldest properties, to maintain their charm. Yang Chengxi reports.

These buildings are the pride of Shanghai. The city is well known for its historical architecture. People come from all over China and beyond to see them, walk among them, and take pictures in front of them.

YANG CHENGXI SHANGHAI "Many of the historical western-style buildings in Shanghai originated during the city's concession period in the early 20th century. These mansions are popular tourist attractions, and some feature QR codes that visitors can scan to learn all about the architecture and their past owners."

"This building was obviously built in 1934."

Archie Hamilton came to Shanghai in 2005 from his native Scotland. Instead of living in new, modern apartments, he and his family chose to rent here, on the top floor of an old building in the former French concession. They have renovated it over the years.

ARCHIE HAMILTON SCOTTISH EXPAT IN SHANGHAI "We want to live in these beautiful lanes and we really loved this place. Like deeply loved the high ceilings and the view over the park. My son has lived here his whole life in this house. My daughter has lived here for all of her waking memory. This is home."

These mansions are not the only buildings from the early 20th century.

Scattered across Shanghai are resident clusters like this called Longtangs. Deep in the old alleyways are stories, events and historical figures that shaped contemporary Chinese history. This longtang, called Hengdeli was home to Nie Er, composer of the Chinese national anthem.

ZHANG ZHIYAO SHANGHAI RESIDENT "So this is where Nie Er lived. This backdoor hasn't changed a bit."

79-year-old Zhang Zhiyao is the oldest resident here. This three-story house used to be filled with people, now he lives alone.

ZHANG ZHIYAO SHANGHAI RESIDENT "My son didn't want to stay so he moved out. People say I should too because it's not convenient living here. But I am too attached to this house to move. Every day I manage my garden, feed my fish and say hello to my neighbors."

But for some, life in other longtangs is much different. Housing conditions vary, and some families don't even have their own toilet. The city subsidizes affordable toilets and has been gentrifying public alleyways in recent years.

ZHANG ZHIYAO SHANGHAI RESIDENT "Now when I walk around, I see a lot of changes compared to decades ago, which is quite pleasing."

From French mansions to longtangs, these historical buildings have become part of the city's identity: a sight to behold for tourists, and a place locals call home.

YCX CGTN SHANGHAI.