Shanghai is one of The People’s Republic of China’s most populous city’s, it is located in the Yangtze River Delta in Eastern China, and is bordered by the East China Sea. With the introduction of economic reform in the late 1970’s, Shanghai’s position as an economic powerhouse has flourished. Shanghai is a major base for Foreign Direct Investment and Capital Investment opportunities, which has contributed to its growing reputation as a ‘window to the west’. In the city’s center Shanghai Xintiandi Street, continues to be a modern tourist attraction, surviving the city’s rapid expansion programs, the street still maintains links to the city’s cultural history. Xintiandi Street is located on the North Huaihai Road next to Huangpo street subway station. The street is an impressive representative of the modern architecture which is sweeping across Shanghai. Xintiandi is a fashionable pedestrian shopping street made up of a mixture of old Shikumen and Modern architecture style buildings. The origins of Shikumen architecture date back to the mid 1800’s, with its amalgamation of old Chinese traditional styles and new Western styles of architecture, the street possesses a bustling atmosphere. Through the changes of history, the street has become a symbol of Shanghai's development, walking along the street it is possible to imagine Shanghai’s exotic atmosphere during the roaring 1920’s! With the growth of Shanghai, the area underwent a transformation from residential buildings into a business zone. As a consequence, the street is now filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques, and art galleries. From the outside the streets historical atmosphere transports you into the past, however its luxuriant and modern interior welcomes you into Shanghai’s humming metropolises. The exterior of the Shikumen housing and the streets antique brick walls and tiles, still remain in tacked which emphasizes the streets historical character.