Sinan Mansions, a notable recreation block adjoining the neighborhoods of Xintiandi and Tianzifang, is another representation of Shanghai's distinctive city plans and organizations that put sophisticated recreation experiences into well-conserved heritage buildings.
The development corporations behind the Sinan Mansions followed Xintiandi's lead in a fusion of the past and the present. This enclave of villas was once home to Shanghai's aristocracy. Premier Zhou Enlai even had a home here during the days of the Kuomintang (also Chinese Nationalist Party, a political party established in 1894 in mainland China, which was once the dominant political party in China's modern history, comparing to China's Communist Party).
The spot is renowned for its graceful villa mansions that were primarily built from the 1920s to 1930s, which was initially part of the construction plan committed to establishing a high-end residential neighborhood, to bring a western countries' living experience to the foreigners living in the former French concession.
The project was later undertaken by several construction firms running by foreign architects, by which the trait of western architecture was well-demonstrated in the outcomes.
At the very beginning of the 1920-1930s, these villas were mostly rent by social elites and celebrities as residences, moreover, some famous artists, poets, and politicians have also left their footprints in the parcel of land.
Later in the transition period from the end of the colonial era to the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the ownership of these villas had been transformed from privately owned to the public following the administration change, which consequently brought a dramatic settlement influx to all the villa houses as well as the massive illegal reconstructions throughout the block. The situation has been lasting till the end of 1999 when a renovation project was launched by the government aiming to restore the area's original features.
Today, it remains intact as a museum. The rest of the development, however, has been repurposed for wining, dining and shopping.
