Shikumen murals portray Shanghai life, herald Spring Festival

Bright, hand-painted murals have appeared on the walls of Shanghai’s signature Shikumen buildings, attracting the attention of many passersby and netizens who have visited to take pictures and check in on social media. Stretching along the city’s Danshui Road, the murals display elements of Year of the Dragon celebrations while depicting nostalgic scenes of old Shanghai. Shikumen architecture emerged in the 19th century in this coastal city, as a common style of residential homes. A few of these buildings remain as a reminder of this port city’s development and heritage.