The Bund Architectural Complex in Shanghai

The Bund Architectural Complex in Shanghai

The Bund Architectural Complex in Shanghai is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

150 years ago, when colonists set foot on this unfamiliar land of Shanghai, they were drawn to this stretch of riverbank along the Huangpu River. Thus, what was once a towpath trodden by boatmen and laborers transformed over a century of development into a skyline of towering buildings and bustling streets. These structures, blending classical and modern architectural styles, have become the symbol of Shanghai.

The Bund stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers from Waibaidu Bridge in the north to East Jinling Road in the south. Bordered by the Huangpu River to the east and lined with 52 buildings of diverse styles on the west, the essence of the Bund lies in this collection of structures known as the “Exhibition of International Architecture.” Iconic landmarks such as the Bank of China Building, Peace Hotel, Customs House, and HSBC Building evoke the former glory of the “Wall Street of the Far East.” Though not designed by a single architect nor built in the same period, these buildings share a largely unified color scheme and exhibit remarkably harmonious overall contours. Whether viewed from afar or explored up close, one can feel a robust, majestic, graceful, and luxurious grandeur.

Some say, “The story of the Bund is the story of Shanghai.” The reinforced concrete edifices along the Bund narrate the dreamlike prosperity of old Shanghai.

Asia Building

Dubbed the “First Building on the Bund,” it was completed in 1906 and originally named the McBain Building. Standing 8 stories tall with a floor area of 11,984 square meters and covering a land area of 1,739 square meters, the building features an eclectic architectural style. Its façade follows a tripartite horizontal and vertical division: the lower and upper sections showcase Baroque designs, while the middle section embodies modernist architecture. Majestic and grand yet understatedly elegant, the building strikes a refined balance between simplicity and splendor.

Oriental London — The Dongfeng Hotel

Known as “Oriental London,” the current Dongfeng Hotel was built in 1910 in the Renaissance style. Its design draws inspiration from both American classicism and Japan’s Imperial Building, hence the nickname. Originally constructed at No. 2 Zhongshan 1st Road, it housed the then most luxurious club in Shanghai — the Shanghai Club. The first floor hosted a restaurant, the second an international sailors' club, and the remaining floors were guest rooms. The hotel is fully equipped with exquisitely decorated interiors, making it an ideal choice for business stays. The unique triangular elevators inside, manufactured by Siemens, are 90 years old.

Union Building (now Known as UOB Building)

Located at No. 4 East Zhongshan 1st Road, it is now owned by Singapore’s GMT Private Investment. Originally named the United Building and owned by the American Union Bank, hence called the Union Building. Completed in 1916, the 7-story structure emulates Renaissance architectural style. Window frames often feature Baroque-style swirling patterns, and the entrance is adorned with Ionic columns. The grand floor-to-ceiling windows allow ample sunlight and enhance the building’s presence. The entire structure is symmetrical around its central axis, offering a sense of harmony.

The East-meets-West Nissin Building

The Nissin Building, which blends modern Western and classical Japanese architectural styles, is known as “Japanese-Jewish Style.” It was jointly built by Japan’s NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) and Jewish investors. Constructed in 1925 at No. 5 East Zhongshan 1st Road, the 6-story building covers 1,280 square meters. The lower three floors are simply decorated, while the upper three boast classical columns and sculptural ornamentation with strong relief effects. The entire façade is clad in granite, complementing other structures along the Bund. The Nissin Building is currently used by Huaxia Bank and Jindu Industrial Corporation.

The China Merchants Bank Building

At No. 6 East Zhongshan 1st Road, in 1897, Chinese entrepreneurs established the country’s first self-funded bank — the China Merchants Bank. Today, the site is home to Hong Kong’s Emperor International Enterprises Limited. This pseudo-four-story Gothic building features five pointed turrets on the fourth floor, which once included crosses. The third and fourth floors also have small spires. The fourth floor has pointed arch windows, while the first and second floors display typical Gothic tracery windows. This nearly century-old European-style structure holds significance far beyond its historical and artistic value — it marked the opening chapter in China’s financial history.

The Great Northern Telegraph Company Building

At No. 7 East Zhongshan 1st Road, this Renaissance-style building emphasizes unity, symmetry, and sturdiness, with highly refined exterior decorations. Each floor employs classical columns, either structural or purely decorative. Windows are surrounded by diverse, three-dimensional motifs resembling Baroque designs. Its black roof and white windows create a sharp contrast, yet maintain an elegant feel. Now the Shanghai branch of Bangkok Bank, the building has had four owners since its construction in 1908. Originally known as the Great Northern Telegraph Company Building, it later housed the China Merchants Bank and the Yangtze Navigation Company.

The China Merchants Steam Navigation Company Building

As the first modern shipping enterprise independently operated by China, the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company was founded during this period. Built in 1901, the three-story brick-and-wood structure faces west and sits eastward. The main entrance protrudes outward, flanked by tall arched floor-to-ceiling windows. The second and third floors are adorned with classical columns. Parts of the exterior are clad in granite. This building is considered a typical example of Bund architecture from the late 19th to early 20th century, and is well worth visiting for both its historical and artistic value.

SPDB Building (formerly Shanghai Municipal Government Building and HSBC Building)

At No. 10-12 East Zhongshan 1st Road, this Neo-Greek structure was built in 1923 and originally housed the Shanghai branch of the British Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC). At the time, the U.S. hailed it as the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal to the Bering Strait in the Far East. Two striking bronze lions were placed at the building’s entrance upon completion. Legend says the molds were destroyed immediately after casting, making them unique one-of-a-kind pieces. They are now housed in the Shanghai History Museum. On the ceiling of the octagonal lobby, about 20 meters above the ground, there are eight mosaics made of hundreds of thousands of tiny colored tiles (each just a few square centimeters), depicting the architecture of eight global cities in the early 20th century: Shanghai, Hong Kong, London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Kolkata, accompanied by mythological figures. There are also 24 depictions of animals from mythology. The large myth-themed ceiling mural spans nearly 200 square meters. Accessible via buses 20, 22, 37, 42, 55, 65, 126, 212, 401, among others.

Shanghai Huangpu District

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units