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Former Site of Hong Kong Building

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The former site of Hong Kong Building is located at No. 10 Machang Road, Heping District. It is a cultural relic protection unit of Tianjin and is classified as a historical building of key preservation level in the city. Constructed in 1937, the Hong Kong Building covers an area of approximately 2,000 square meters with a floor space of about 3,000 square meters. It is a collective residential building designed by Austrian architect Georg Kupka.

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The former site of Hong Kong Building is a cultural relic protection unit of Tianjin.

The former site of Hong Kong Building is located at No. 10 Machang Road, Heping District. It is a cultural relic protection unit of Tianjin and is classified as a historical building of key preservation level in the city.

Built in 1937, the Hong Kong Building covers an area of approximately 2,000 square meters and has a floor space of about 3,000 square meters. It is a collective residential building designed by Austrian architect Georg Kupka. Before the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it was home to some foreigners as well as Chinese figures from the business and intellectual communities. Notable residents included banker Zi Yaohua and his descendants—famous dancer Zi Huayun, as well as renowned pianist Liu Shikun. After the establishment of New China, the building housed many provincial and municipal leaders.

The building has an “L”-shaped floor plan and is a five-story mixed-structure edifice with a basement. Its layout adopts a modern lifestyle centered around the living room, with well-equipped and functionally rational rooms including the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.

The treatment of corner windows reflects advanced design concepts and technology. Even by today’s standards, its functional design remains relevant. The wooden floors, staircases, fireplaces, and terrazzo flooring inside the building have been well preserved.

The façade features large glass windows that create a contrast with the brick walls in terms of solid and void; round, square, and grouped windows offer a contrast in form; while the red brick window surrounds that project from the wall contrast vividly with the light-colored roughcast rendering. These elements give the building a dynamic rhythm with varied textures, forming a unique surface treatment and exhibiting distinct characteristics of modern architecture.