The Modern Architectural Complex on Zhongshan Middle Road

The Modern Architectural Complex on Zhongshan Middle Road

The Modern Architectural Complex on Zhongshan Middle Road is a cultural heritage site protected by the city of Hangzhou.

The Zhongshan Middle Road Historical and Cultural Block is one of the areas that reflect the historical changes and architectural character of Hangzhou. Its historical features are primarily represented by modern-era buildings.

The "Modern Architectural Complex on Zhongshan Middle Road," such as the former site of the Zhejiang Industrial Bank, the Salt Industry Bank, the Zhejiang Commercial Bank, the former site of the Local Bank, the Wanlong Ham Store at the Four Corners, the Zhang Yunsheng Department Store at the Four Corners, the Kong Fengchun at the Four Corners, the Mi Dachang at the Four Corners, Ye Zhongdetang, and the former site of the Wanyuan Silk Store, among others, showcases various architectural styles — some in traditional Chinese style, others mimicking Western classical or combining both Chinese and Western elements. These uniquely styled historic buildings have all been preserved and restored.

Zhongshan Middle Road is a pedestrian street in Hangzhou that boasts the highest concentration of time-honored brands and the most authentic historic architecture.

The Modern Architectural Complex on Zhongshan Middle Road – Ye Zhongdetang

Ye Zhongdetang is located at the southernmost end of Zhongshan Middle Road, near the Drum Tower. It was a renowned traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Hangzhou during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era. The current building was constructed during the Republican period and was merged into Hu Qingyu Tang in the 1950s. Back when I was a junior in college, I interned in the finance department of Hu Qingyu Tang — we worked in that dark, sunless old building. Now, the name Ye Zhongdetang has been revived, and the clinic is back in operation, seemingly doing quite well.

The Modern Architectural Complex on Zhongshan Middle Road – the "Four Corners" Historic Buildings

The Five buildings at the Four Corners intersection of Zhongshan Middle Road and Hefang Street.

The Modern Architectural Complex on Zhongshan Middle Road – Former Site of the Zhejiang Local Bank

The former site of the Zhejiang Local Bank is located at the intersection of Zhongshan Middle Road and Huimin Road. This Western-style building was constructed during the Republican era. Previously, institutions were housed here, but it has since been vacated and left unused for a long time, gradually falling into disrepair.

The Modern Architectural Complex on Zhongshan Middle Road – Former Site of the Zhejiang Commercial Bank (Provincial Protected)

The former site of the Zhejiang Commercial Bank is situated at No. 193 Zhongshan Middle Road, at the entrance of Ganzefang Lane. The existing building, constructed in 1925, is a four-story Western-style structure that remains well-preserved and in active use. In 2000, it was listed as one of the third batch of Hangzhou Municipal Cultural Heritage Protection Units within the Zhongshan Middle Road Modern Architectural Complex. In 2017, it was separately included in the seventh batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units.

The Modern Architectural Complex on Zhongshan Middle Road – Former Site of the Salt Industry Bank

The former site of the Salt Industry Bank is located north of the former site of the Industrial Bank, at No. 271 Zhongshan Middle Road. Established during the era of Yuan Shikai, this location is believed to have been one of its branch offices. In the 1950s, it served as the office of the Hangzhou Finance and Taxation Bureau until the early 21st century.