Former Site of the Shanghai Branch Office and Warehouse of the Bank of China

Former Site of the Shanghai Branch Office and Warehouse of the Bank of China

The former site of the Shanghai Branch Office and Warehouse of the Bank of China is a cultural heritage conservation unit of Jing'an District.

The former site of the Shanghai Branch Office and Warehouse of the Bank of China is located at No. 1040 North Suzhou Road. The Bank of China originated from the Qing Dynasty Ministry of Revenue Bank, which was founded in August 1905 (the 31st year of the Guangxu reign) during the Qing Dynasty. It was the first government-sponsored joint public-private bank in China, with its head office in Beijing. By the end of the Guangxu reign, it had established multiple branches in cities such as Tianjin, Shanghai, and Hankou. In 1912, the Beiyang Government provided capital to reorganize it into the Bank of China. In 1927, the Nationalist Government relocated the Bank of China's head office from Beiping to Shanghai, with T.V. Soong serving as chairman. It became one of the “Four Banks and Two Bureaus” financial monopolies of the Nationalist Government. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Bank of China was restructured and reorganized by the people’s government. The building of the former site was constructed in 1931, facing south with a northern orientation. It covers an area of approximately 1,300 square meters and features a reinforced concrete frame structure with a cavity wall system, consisting of both above-ground and underground levels. The upper floors are designed with continuous arched windows and integrated pilasters, reflecting a modern style. The lower level includes a sturdy stone base, while the upper section is adorned with streamlined setbacks and horizontal window bands, giving it a sleek, contemporary appearance. The interior houses banking halls, offices, safes for storing cash and valuables, as well as staff offices and dining areas, all thoughtfully arranged. The architectural design of the building combines elements of both Chinese and Western styles, showcasing the characteristics of modern architecture. During its construction, advanced steel-reinforced concrete technology was adopted, and the exterior finishing utilized imported materials. In October 2005, it was designated as an Outstanding Historical Building of Shanghai by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

The former site of the Shanghai Branch Office and Warehouse of the Bank of China is a cultural heritage conservation unit of Jing'an District.