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Shanghai Shikumens, Shanghai are an integral part of the city and are remnants of the Chinese customs and culture. Shikumen literally means "stone gate" and indicates a style of housing, which combines the architectural features of the East and the West. These houses were widely prevalent in Shanghai and in the past majority of the population lived in the Shikumens. But then, today because of the onslaught of the skyscrapers and residential complexes, Shikumens in Shanghai have become a rarity. The Shikumen style of housing incorporates houses which are connected and arranged in straight alleys and the entrance of every alley features a stylistic stone arch. This style of architecture seamlessly blends elements of Western architecture and Lower Yangtze Chinese architecture and social behavior. Most of the Shikumen houses boast of courtyards following the traditional Chinese tradition. This courtyard provided ventilation and allowed sunlight to enter the rooms of the house. During the period of World War II, Shanghai saw a sudden increase in the population of the city and as a result of this many Shikumen houses were subdivided. For example spacious living rooms were often divided into three or four rooms, which were later on lent out to families. This condition still continues in the city and many Shikumens in the city boast of cramped conditions
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