To ensure the space was well utilized, shikumen residences had two characteristics: Tingzijian and guojielou. Tingzijian is the small, poorly lit back room between two flights of stairs, usually between the first and second floors or the second and third floors. These rooms are narrow and they have low ceilings. Also, they are very hot especially in summer. In comparison, guojielou rooms are slightly better. These rooms were built across the lane, and they looked as though they were suspended in the air.
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