In the 1930s, shikumen residences were homes on lanes that had unique traits in Shanghai. On those lanes, which spread out in all directions, were also hostels, workshops, newspapers' offices and snack booths. Cobblers, barbers, fortunetellers and various other people, who worked outdoors, also moved to those lanes. Most of those people were migrants, who relocated from other parts of the country. At the mouth of each lane, with shikumen residences, was generally a one-room grocery store, which sold cigarettes, bathroom tissue and wine.
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