Houses in China - Part 6: Space

China Travel Services

Shanghai is China's largest city, but many hold the predict against Shanghai residents as too frugal or even stingy. Some sociologists believe that the collective character of Shanghai is a result of its crowded living spaces. In 1979, the average living area was a mere 4 square meters per person. Under such cramped conditions even the business of everyday life is draining. Joyful events, such as getting married, become problematic with so little space available for setting up a new home.

Shikumen is constructed in the typical Shanghai style. It combines aspects of China's traditional quadrangle and western architecture. It is usually a multi-storied building with a single gateway, in which several or even dozens of families lived. Shikumen is regarded as emblematic of traditional city culture in Shanghai. It may be regarded as a valuable tradition, but many facilities are completely out-of-date. The sight of people lining up to empty their nightstools in the morning has become part of Shanghai's image.

One of Shanghai's attractions is Waitan, the Bund. Buildings of different styles are gathered here. The beautiful view at night makes it a popular place for dating, especially for those who have no other place to stay. Xu Liqiu was one of them. His work unit wouldn't give him a house because he was still single. And no girl would agree to marry him because he had no house. Xu Liqiu was caught between these two problems and no solution was in sight.

Shanghai's slums are disappearing day by day. Recently, there has been talk of protecting the Shikumen buildings. They are, after all, a part of Shanghai's traditional architecture, but they have become slums and will soon be removed. Shanghai has outgrown the Shikumen buildings and newer housing with more modern facilities have to be built.