The historical Sinan Mansions complex in Shanghai. (Photos: CFP)

The Sinan Mansions complex is located in a quiet corner away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Shanghai. The complex features 51 garden-style historical buildings that were used for dining, bars, hotels, offices and boutiques in the 1920s for the city’s most luxurious residences.

The complex was included on the list of national-level tourist areas in 2022. Combining culture, history and fashion, the Sinan Mansions area is now a unique urban public space offering distinctive attractions.

Situated in the heart of the Huangpu District of Shanghai, Sinan Mansions was once home to famous figures such as Zhou Enlai, Zeng Pu, Mei Lanfang and Liu Yazi.

The Sinan Mansions complex is an open-air museum attracting many visitors each day.

The Sinan Mansions complex has been designated as the "Sinan Open-Air Museum" where visitors can learn about the history of these buildings by scanning QR codes on their facades. Unlike conventional museums, there is no charge to tour this open-air museum.

In September 1999, the Shanghai Municipal Government proposed to preserve and renovate the area. The renovation restored the historical buildings to their original state.

The Sinan Mansions complex now consists of four functional areas: the Garden Hotel area, which provides hotel accommodation and event spaces; the Leisure Business area, which features various types of Chinese and Western cuisine and retail shops; the East Courtyard Apartment area; and the Corporate Mansion area, which houses corporate headquarters and offices.

The four areas are connected by five outdoor plazas and a network of pedestrian streets.

A historical building at the Sinan Mansions complex in Shanghai.

Now an urban public space that inherits the century-old cultural flavor of Shanghai, Sinan Mansions is a hub for various food, shopping, culture, art, and beauty outlets. In recent years, the complex has also hosted many arts festivals. The Shanghai StArt Festival takes place in May every year featuring artists from across the globe.

As the only garden-style historical building complex in Shanghai, Sinan Mansions is an outstanding example of the city’s historical and cultural inheritance and a new visitor highlight of Shanghai.

A quiet alleyway in the Sinan Mansions complex.