Sinan Mansions
Step back in time at Sinan Mansions, a charming enclave of European-style villas offering a tranquil escape with rich history and vibrant culture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms and pleasant weather
Sinan Mansions
Best Time
Blossoms and pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Sinan Mansions, a charming enclave of European-style villas offering a tranquil escape with rich history and vibrant culture.
"This place offers a rather unique option: you can book an entire mansion for a stay."
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Wander through the charming streets and lush gardens for a peaceful escape. :walking:
📚 Visit Sinan Books
Discover this unique cultural space and bookstore for a dose of inspiration. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Restored European Villas
Throughout the complex
Explore 51 heritage buildings showcasing elegant Western-style garden villas from the 1920s.

Sinan Books
Building 25
A unique cultural space and bookstore designed to evoke human thought and creativity.

Seasonal Flower Markets
Various locations
Experience vibrant winter flower markets and spring floral exhibitions, adding color and life.

Gourmet Dining Experiences
Various restaurants
Indulge in refined Changjiang cuisine and other high-end dining options in a sophisticated setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the European Charm
Event Venue vs. Standard Stay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Wander through the charming streets and lush gardens for a peaceful escape. :walking:
📚 Visit Sinan Books
Discover this unique cultural space and bookstore for a dose of inspiration. :books:
🌸 Check for Events
Look out for seasonal flower markets and festivals for a vibrant experience. :flower:
🍽️ Fine Dining Options
Enjoy refined cuisine at the high-end restaurants within the mansions. :forkandknife:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Wander through the charming streets and lush gardens for a peaceful escape. :walking:
📚 Visit Sinan Books
Discover this unique cultural space and bookstore for a dose of inspiration. :books:
🌸 Check for Events
Look out for seasonal flower markets and festivals for a vibrant experience. :flower:
🍽️ Fine Dining Options
Enjoy refined cuisine at the high-end restaurants within the mansions. :forkandknife:
📸 Capture the Architecture
The colonial-style buildings and gardens are perfect for photography. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sinan Mansions is praised for its beautiful European architecture and tranquil atmosphere, offering a charming escape within Shanghai. Visitors enjoy leisurely strolls, unique cultural spaces like Sinan Books, and seasonal events. However, some find the rooms lacking in amenities and the overall cost for standard stays to be high.
"This place offers a rather unique option: you can book an entire mansion for a stay. Typically, a night runs about 45,000 yuan, service fee included. That's a significant sum, but if you also book it as an event venue, they drop the price to 25,000 yuan per night. Each mansion is designed to host a maximum of 10 people.
The layout is practical, featuring four bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and wardrobes. There are also two patios and a substantial backyard. We didn't get to fully enjoy the outdoor spaces due to excessive heat during our stay, but the yard itself was incredibly tranquil, and I genuinely appreciated that aspect.
However, the rooms themselves were not good. I consistently found a lack of power outlets, and the showers were notably terrible.
In summary: If you're seeking a specific ambiance for an event and have enough people to share the cost, this could be a viable option. Otherwise, given the price point, I wouldn't recommend it for a standard stay."
Yichao Su
"The Sinan Mansions is a quaint quarter of the greater French concession areas in Shanghai. The neighbourhood is dotted with many colonial-styled houses with unique wooden and iron railings along stairs and balconies, lush gardens and an old school vibe. Ideal for romantic strolls, the area, surrounded by lots of greenery, is brimming with cafes and restaurants where visitors can get a bite to eat and a drink to seal the deal.
Many come here to unwind from their hectic life in the bustling metropolis. There is also bookstore and perfumery with lots of trees and flowers around.
On the day of our visit, it was drizzling but we enjoyed our visit here, it's so peaceful and tranquil and like the beautiful sights here!"
Ed Chung
"This is a nice area to walk through and that could be a 5-minute or several hours stroll. There are a few restaurants and cafes and occasionally an outdoor market in some spots. The area has the feel of having been recently renovated, and among the older style buildings are several new buildings. There is a nice bookstore in the mansion area and an affiliated poetry bookstore a few hundred metres away in a renovated church."
S G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sinan Mansions is located in the Huangpu District, within the former French Concession. You can easily reach it via metro, with several stations nearby like South Shaanxi Road (Lines 1, 10, 12) or Dapuqiao (Line 9). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, Sinan Mansions is well-connected by Shanghai's metro system. Several lines stop within walking distance, making it a convenient destination to reach via public transport.
Walking is highly recommended to fully appreciate the charming streets, colonial architecture, and hidden cafes. The area is also great for cycling.
While specific parking details can vary, it's generally advisable to check for available parking lots or garages in the vicinity, especially if you are driving. Public transport is often a more straightforward option.
Absolutely! Sinan Mansions is nestled within the historic French Concession, making it an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding charming streets, boutiques, and cafes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no admission fee to enter the Sinan Mansions complex itself. You can freely wander the grounds and enjoy the architecture. However, specific attractions or events within the mansions may have separate ticket requirements.
The grounds of Sinan Mansions are typically accessible throughout the day. Individual shops, cafes, and restaurants within the complex will have their own operating hours, usually from morning to late evening.
Yes, it is possible to book an entire mansion for a stay, though it is quite expensive and often recommended for events. Prices can be around 45,000 yuan per night, with potential discounts for event bookings.
Sinan Mansions frequently hosts seasonal events, such as winter flower markets and New Year festivals, as well as art exhibitions and cultural activities. It's worth checking their schedule for any ongoing events during your visit.
Sinan Books is a cultural space and bookstore, and typically does not have an entrance fee to browse. You would only pay for any books or items you wish to purchase.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire complex is a photographer's dream! Focus on the intricate details of the European architecture, the charming tree-lined streets, the lush gardens, and the unique facade of Sinan Books.
Photography is generally allowed in the public areas and exteriors. For interiors of restaurants, shops, or private event spaces, it's always best to ask for permission before taking photos.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light that enhances the architectural details and creates a magical atmosphere. Weekday mornings can also be less crowded for unobstructed shots.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in densely populated urban areas like Shanghai, and especially within historical or residential complexes like Sinan Mansions, due to privacy and safety regulations.
It's perfect for architectural photography, street photography, romantic couple shoots, and capturing the elegant, old-world charm of Shanghai.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sinan Mansions boasts a collection of high-end dining establishments, including restaurants offering refined Changjiang cuisine (a blend of Zhejiang and Jiangsu traditions), premium seafood, and other international and local flavors.
Yes, alongside the fine dining restaurants, you'll find charming cafes scattered throughout the complex, perfect for a coffee break or a light snack while exploring.
Given the upscale nature of the area and its dining establishments, prices can be on the higher side. It's considered a destination for a more refined culinary experience.
Many of the restaurants, particularly those focusing on premium ingredients like seafood, offer private dining rooms, which are ideal for special occasions or business gatherings.
Changjiang cuisine refers to the culinary traditions of the Yangtze River region, encompassing the rich flavors and techniques of Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. It often features fresh ingredients, delicate preparations, and a balance of sweet and savory notes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that dining options are predominantly upscale, so packing snacks or planning for a more casual meal at a nearby cafe might be practical. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a good option for a break from more crowded tourist spots, allowing for a relaxed family outing.
🥂 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Consider visiting during a seasonal event like a flower market for an extra touch of beauty and festivity. The overall ambiance of the mansions lends itself to creating memorable moments and a sense of stepping back into a more elegant era.
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
Experiment with architectural shots, street photography, and capturing the lifestyle elements of the cafes and restaurants. Be mindful of privacy when photographing interiors and always seek permission where appropriate. The seasonal flower markets also offer vibrant and dynamic subjects for creative shoots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Architecture
The restoration project has aimed to blend historical preservation with modern functionality, creating a vibrant cultural hub. While the architectural design remains faithful to its origins, the area has undergone gentrification, now featuring high-end dining experiences and boutique establishments. This creates an interesting paradox, projecting a perception of preservation while being rebuilt with clean alignments.
Walking through Sinan Mansions feels like stepping into a different era. The narrow streets, surrounded by greenery, offer a peaceful respite from the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. It's an ideal location for romantic strolls, quiet contemplation, and appreciating the intricate details of a bygone architectural period.
Cultural and Retail Experiences
The area also frequently hosts seasonal events that add to its allure. Visitors can experience vibrant Winter Flower Markets and Spring Floral Exhibitions, transforming the mansions into a colorful spectacle. These events, often part of larger festivals, provide a lively atmosphere and unique photo opportunities.
In addition to cultural spaces, Sinan Mansions is home to a curated selection of high-end restaurants and cafes. These establishments offer a refined culinary journey, from authentic Changjiang cuisine to premium seafood, making it a destination for both cultural exploration and gastronomic delight.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit