Two of six buildings in Taianli, one of the oldest Shikumen-style structures in Beijing, reopened to the public on Monday after years of renovation. Photo: VCG

Located in Beijing’s Xicheng district, the series of six two-story buildings was built between 1915 and 1918. One of the buildings features a Chinese Republic (1912-1949) period ceiling lamp. Photo: VCG

Residents watch a film in Taianli on Monday. Rooms inside the building were arranged around a central square space, forming a closed loop. Photo: VCG

The residential area includes cultural and entertainment venues including a bookstore. Photo: VCG

A resident explores an exhibition area displaying items used between the 1970s and 1980s. Photo: VCG

An alley measuring around 70 meters in length divides the six buildings into two rows. Photo: VCG

A resident rides past the entry of Taianli on Thursday. Photo: VCG

Beijing began renovations on the historic structure in the second half of 2018. Photo: VCG

The exterior of the building combines Chinese and Western elements that first appeared in Shanghai around 1860, with many touting it as the last standing Shanghainese-style architecture in Beijing. Photo: VCG