While Shanghai offers a plethora of modern accommodations, the truest way to 'stay' in its history is to immerse oneself in its preserved architectural marvels. A prime example is the magnificent Xintiandi壹号 (Xintiandi No. 1), a four-story mixed-structure old Western-style house that stands as the most completely preserved historical building from its era in the area. Built in 1925, this former residence in the old Jurenli complex offers a rare window into the city's opulent past. Typically operating as a private club, it occasionally opens its doors to the public for special exhibitions and brand events, providing a unique opportunity to step inside.

The building's architecture is a captivating fusion of East and West. Its exterior boasts a centrally symmetrical European style, with an entrance featuring a grand circular porch and classical columns that evoke a sense of ceremony. Step through the doors, however, and you are transported to a different world. The central hall is designed in a classic Chinese style, exuding an antique charm. The true highlight is the courtyard, a stunning space with a restored surrounding corridor and a traditional Chinese garden at its base. Sunlight pours in from a large skylight above, illuminating the space and creating a serene, picturesque atmosphere perfect for photography.

Visiting during the winter season adds another layer of magic. The entire Xintiandi area transforms into a festive wonderland, often with an 'ice and snow' theme. The streets are lined with enchanting Christmas decorations, from giant velvet bows on storefronts to whimsical installations. For instance, the area has hosted an 'Ice and Snow Slow Travel Adventure,' featuring a giant UGG-themed Christmas tree and even a 'snowy' corridor, fully immersing visitors in a holiday spirit. Exploring these festive streets before or after a visit to Xintiandi壹号 makes for an unforgettable journey through Shanghai's stylish past and vibrant present.

Key features of Xintiandi壹号 include:

• Built in 1925, a prime example of Shanghai's historic Western-style houses.
• A European-style facade with a ceremonial entrance porch and columns.
• A contrasting, antique-filled Chinese-style interior and central hall.
• A beautifully restored courtyard with a skylight, perfect for capturing memories.

To learn more about events in the area, you can visit the official Shanghai Xintiandi website. This allows you to time your visit with one of the rare public openings of its historic buildings.

Beyond the polished lanes of Xintiandi, Shanghai's cityscape is dotted with historic landmarks that tell diverse stories of its past. These buildings, while not traditional hotels, offer rich, immersive experiences that allow you to feel the pulse of old Shanghai. A stroll through the Bund Source (外滩源) area, for example, reveals a neighborhood steeped in history, home to architectural gems like the former Union Church (原新天安堂). During the holiday season, this area comes alive with a German-themed Christmas market, complete with a merry-go-round, festive stalls selling everything from mulled wine and German sausages to charming trinkets, creating an atmosphere that is both historic and joyfully contemporary.

Another architectural icon is the 1933 Old Millfun (1933老场坊). This unique Art Deco building, with its intricate concrete ramps and bridges, has been repurposed into a creative hub that frequently hosts vibrant markets. Events like the 'Guosenri Market' (过森日市集) fill its historic halls with stalls offering handmade crafts, organic foods, and even pet supplies, drawing a creative crowd and breathing new life into the industrial space.

For those drawn to spiritual architecture, the Xujiahui Cathedral (徐家汇天主堂) is a must-see. Its stunning design, blending Gothic and Romanesque elements, has earned it the nickname 'Shanghai's Hogwarts.' Meanwhile, a walk through the former French Concession will lead you to the iconic Wukang Building, whose unique ship-like structure is a beloved symbol of the city. Other notable historic sites that offer a sense of 'staying' in the past include:

• Columbia Circle (上生新所): A beautifully restored complex that masterfully blends historic architecture with lush green spaces and modern cafes.
• Hotung House (何东旧居): An old Western-style residence known for its photogenic architecture and a magnificent, large tree on its grounds.
• Shanghai Postal Museum: An impressive building that offers a glimpse into the city's communication history, located near a scenic stretch of Suzhou Creek often referred to as the 'Shanghai Seine.'

These sites are more than just photo opportunities; they are portals to different eras of Shanghai's history. Exploring them provides a profound sense of connection to the city's heritage, offering a different kind of 'accommodation'—a stay within the stories and stones that have shaped this incredible metropolis. You can find more information on Shanghai's architectural heritage at sites like Time Out Shanghai.

To truly appreciate the grandeur of Shanghai's heritage architecture, one must take to the streets. A 'City Walk' is the perfect way to connect the dots between these magnificent buildings, creating your own narrative of the city's past. The tree-lined avenues of the former French Concession are an ideal starting point. Streets like Wukang Road, famous for their lush plane trees that form a leafy canopy in spring and summer, are imbued with a charming, 'petty bourgeoisie' atmosphere. Here, you can wander past historic villas, stumble upon independent coffee shops, and simply soak in the elegant ambiance.

For a walk that combines riverside views with architectural history, one highly recommended route begins at the Tiantong Road metro station. From there, you can embark on a journey that captures the essence of old Shanghai:

• Start at the magnificent Shanghai Postal Museum, an architectural landmark in its own right.
• Cross the iconic Zhapu Road Bridge (乍浦路桥), a vantage point offering stunning views that have earned this stretch of Suzhou Creek the nickname 'Shanghai's Seine River.'
• Continue your walk along the northern bank until you reach the Bund Source (外滩源), the historic and cultural birthplace of the Bund, where a cluster of beautifully restored heritage buildings awaits.

Beyond these specific routes, Shanghai offers numerous scenic waterfront promenades that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Xuhui Binjiang (West Bund) is known for its healing combination of gentle river breezes and expansive lawns, where you might even encounter street artists. For breathtaking skyline views, a walk along the North Bund at sunset is unparalleled, offering a perfect panorama of the Lujiazui 'three-piece suit' across the Huangpu River. These walks are not just about sightseeing; they are about experiencing the city's living history, where every corner turned reveals a new story. Exploring these routes is like checking into an open-air museum, a truly immersive historic 'stay'. For more inspiration, check out the various City Walk guides available on platforms like Little Red Book.

What makes Shanghai's heritage buildings truly special is that they are not static relics of the past. Instead, they serve as dynamic stages for the city's vibrant cultural life. These historic spaces are constantly animated by a rich tapestry of markets, art exhibitions, and pop-up events, allowing visitors to engage with history in a living, breathing way. This fusion of past and present offers a unique form of 'historic stay'—one where you are not just an observer, but an active participant.

The German Christmas Market at the Bund Source is a perfect example. Held from late November through December, it transforms the historic square into a festive European village. Visitors can wander among charming wooden stalls, sipping on hot mulled wine and enjoying the sights and sounds of the season against a backdrop of century-old architecture. Similarly, the unique 1933 Old Millfun regularly hosts the 'Guosenri Market,' a gathering that fills its industrial Art Deco spaces with artisans, designers, and local food vendors, celebrating creativity and community within its historic walls.

Shanghai's world-class museums and art galleries also play a crucial role in preserving and presenting the city's heritage. Institutions like the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum (housed in the former China Pavilion from the 2010 World Expo) are custodians of history, hosting major exhibitions that connect the past with contemporary artistic dialogues. Throughout the year, you can find a packed calendar of events, including:

• Major Art Exhibitions: The city hosts numerous large-scale exhibitions, such as the Shanghai Biennale and the West Bund Art & Design Fair, often taking place in architecturally significant venues.
• Themed Markets: Beyond Christmas, various themed markets spring up in historic locations, from book fairs and craft markets to food festivals celebrating everything from bread to coffee.
• Brand Pop-ups: International and local brands often choose historic venues like Xintiandi壹号 for their pop-up stores and exhibitions, creating ephemeral experiences that blend modern commerce with timeless elegance.

Attending these events is perhaps the most engaging way to experience Shanghai's historic 'accommodations.' It allows you to inhabit these storied spaces, to feel their modern pulse, and to create new memories within their timeless walls. It’s an invitation to not just see history, but to live it, even if just for an afternoon.