Xinfu Lane

Xinfu Lane

Xinfu Lane is a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Xinfu Lane is located at the intersection of Shizi Street and Wusah Road, and was designated as a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1991.

Xinfu Lane is a group of Shanghai-style alleyway Shikumen residential buildings, constructed in 1933 after the Xinfu Bank purchased the land previously occupied by the headquarters of the Jiangsu Provincial Water Police Third District. Covering an area of 7,553 square meters with a total built-up area of 4,712 square meters, the buildings face south, with a Roman-style arched gateway in the center. The lintel above the gate features delicate carvings of flowers and plants. Two rows of buildings stand neatly on either side, with plain brick walls and Shikumen facades, giving the complex a solemn and tidy appearance. Along the corner of Wusah Road to the west of the main entrance, there are six rows of two-story buildings extending from south to north, all of which are of brick-and-wood structure. Inside the main entrance, the north-south axis serves as the main longitudinal passage, while east-west cross passages between every two rows connect to the main passage to the east and lead to Wusah Road to the west. Each building is divided into units housing either two or three households. Units for two households cover a floor area of 290 square meters each, while those for three households cover 150 square meters each. Each unit follows a traditional Chinese courtyard layout, featuring high walls at the facade and a central Shikumen gate. Upon entering, there is a small courtyard, with the living room and sitting area facing south at the back of the courtyard. Wing rooms are located on the east and west sides, while the kitchen, bathroom, and staircase are situated behind the main hall. The floor plans of the upper levels are similar to those of the ground floor. The residential buildings of Xinfu Lane are neatly arranged, structurally solid, and fully functional, making it one of the better-preserved groups of 1930s alleyway-style public residences in Suzhou. In 1994, one of the buildings to the east of the main entrance along Shizi Street was converted into commercial use, resulting in some changes to its exterior façade, though the interior structure remains largely original.