Relying on the old Shikumen residence, Tianzifang and Xintiandi integrate catering, shopping and tourism functions, and are sample projects for the transformation of old urban areas, attracting cities in China to follow suit. Compared with Xintiandi, Tianzifang's stores are more down-to-earth and have a strong market atmosphere, but they are highly similar to Beijing's Nanluoguxiang, Chengdu's Jinli, Nanjing's Confucius Temple, etc., and are even regarded as "urban cancer", if you have visited similar attractions in other cities, you may wish to avoid this item.

Compared with Xintiandi, Zhangyuanxiang and other Shikumen alleys, the path between Tianzifang houses is narrower, the mansions are more closely scattered, and the facades of the houses still reveal a little old-fashioned atmosphere. There is almost no one living in the old house, and the old bottles are filled with new wine, which has become a small shop along the street. The style of the shop makes Tianzifang a "tourist street", with paper-cutting, beckoning cats, postcards, music boxes and other small literary and artistic objects. In terms of catering, low-cost snacks such as grilled skewers and milk tea are extremely popular, and there is also a grand debut of "Shanghai Old Popsicle", which tastes the same as the old Beijing Popsicle.

There are only three main roads along the south and north directions of Tianzifang, and under the influence of forks and street crossings, you may sometimes get lost. In addition, there is a small open exhibition hall near the center of the workshop to tell the history of Tianzifang and briefly introduce the characteristics of Shikumen dwellings. Tianzifang has the busiest passenger flow at noon and afternoon on holidays, and there are not many tourists in the early morning, and most of the shops are not open. At this time, it is the best time to take pictures, and you can also witness the opening of shops, which is convenient for experiencing the rare atmosphere of life in the tourist street.

Duration: 20min-2.5 hours

Reference fare: Free

Opening hours: All day

Tips: 1. Bring a camera, selfie dryer and other equipment; 2. Take good care of personal belongings; 3. Similar "scenic spots" appear all over the country; 4. In the morning, there are few people, so it is suitable for taking pictures, but many shops are not open.