Century-old estate named city-level tourist, leisure block

The Sinan Mansions complex – in Huangpu district in downtown Shanghai in East China – was recently identified as a pilot city-level tourist and leisure block by the city's cultural and tourism bureau.

Located on Middle Fuxing Road and close to Sinan Road, the Sinan Mansions highlight a time-honored street covered with rows of 1920s and 1930s European-style garden villas and historic sites.

It is one of the pilot projects for the preservation and protection of historical and cultural features and outstanding historical buildings in Shanghai. It has also won the title of "Shanghai Garden Unit" for five consecutive years.

The operator Yongye Group has taken 10 years to revamp it and it now a hip area with a host of bars, cafes, restaurants as well as luxurious residences, offices and hotels.

As a result, there is always something going on here. More than 600 events – spanning music, literature, fashion, design, film and television, opera and sports – are held there every year.

Visitors are said to be particularly drawn to the Sinan Book Club, Open Air Museum, Sinan Yé night activities and other events.

The Sinan Mansions area has reportedly become an exciting cultural landmark in the city, combining the arts, fashion and historical heritage.