Foreign Lane on Xinhua Road, Shanghai, also known as Xinhua Villas, is a collection of buildings full of historical charm and exotic style. It consist of dozens of diverse garden residences, mostly designed and built by Hungarian architect László Hudec in the 1930s. These villas blend various architectural styles, such as English, Italian, and Spanish, creating a unique "Exhibition of International Residences".

The Foreign Lane on Xinhua Road include two alleys: Alley 211 and Alley 329. Shaped like a horseshoe, they contain 29 garden residences with a history of nearly a hundred years. In the 1930s and 1940s, many expatriates from different countries lived here, hence the name "Foreign Lane". It was once renowned in Shanghai for its "exquisite modernity".

Walking through the alleys feels like traveling back to the 1930s, with a distinctive exotic atmosphere and a sense of history. Surrounded by greenery, old Western-style houses can be faintly seen. Residence No. 2 in Alley 211 used to be the home of American Presbyterian missionary
Gilbert Reid - with its pointed roof, gray walls, lush bamboo trees, and tranquil environment, it resembles a secluded estate in the midst of a bustling city.

In 2018, under the guidance of Xinhua Road Subdistrict, the Dayu Community Construction and Development Center of Changning District, Shanghai was officially established. It is a social organization composed of interdisciplinary designers and community workers, aiming to assist community governance through active participation in community renewal projects and mobilizing diverse stakeholders. Dayu Construction has participated in the completion of various renovation projects, such as the Neighborly Micro Space in Xinhua Road Alley 669, Jinglao Village, Haifu Apartment Parent-Child Space, and Hongzhuang Neighborhood Committee. Its local publication "Xinhua Record" has already reached its seventh issue, becoming another significant cultural feature of Xinhua Road.