The new guesthouse features a traditional courtyard layout. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The first guesthouse in Nanxiang Old Street, a tourist attraction in Jiading district, Shanghai, is set to begin its trial operation on Oct 20.
The guesthouse, inspired by the nostalgic Shanghai streets of the 1970s and 80s, offers six rooms designed with traditional Chinese aesthetics. Housed in a renovated community service center, the building features a traditional courtyard layout with a teahouse and restaurant on the first floor and guest rooms on the second. A standalone room, converted from a bar, offers stunning river views.
Project manager Mu Jing emphasized the blend of practicality and cultural aesthetics, with doors and windows restored by craftsmen to maintain their antique charm. Despite its vintage style, the guesthouse boasts modern soundproofing, ensuring a peaceful stay.
Local residents are enthusiastic about the new addition, with some rooms already booked. Mr Yang, a resident, expressed excitement about welcoming visitors to experience the charm of Nanxiang.
Future plans include further renovating and reconstructing a number of surrounding old houses to reach fifty guest rooms within three years. Engaging educational activities like hands-on traditional crafts and lectures are also in the works, aiming to establish Nanxiang as a prime cultural destination.
The guest rooms feature a vintage style. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]