Bank of China, Shanghai Branch

Bank of China, Shanghai Branch, towering 17 stories high, was completed in 1937. With floor space of 32,000square meters, the building was designed and constructed entirely by Chinese, featuring a high-rise of distinctively Chinese national characteristics.

To show its architectural ability in competing with foreign banks, Bank of China was originally designed and erected to be 34 stories high, and would then be the tallest building in Shanghai. Therefore, its foundation was solidly laid. For instance, the concrete piles at both north and south sides of the building were punched down underground to the depth of 50 meters, and even the piles in the central part of it went down to 30 meters deep. Nevertheless, just after the foundation work was down, victor Sassoon, owner of the neighboring building, interfered and opposed the new establishment to exceed the height of this pyramid-style building spire. As one of the biggest taxpayers in the International Concession, Sassoon compelled the authority not to issue construction permit for setting up 34-storied complex. As the blueprint could not be fully realized, the bank building had to be put up, Thereafter, at the height of only 17 stories, 0.3 meters lower than Sassoon Building.

Bank of China is divided into two parts----East and West. The eastern part is the main building of iron and steel framework while its western part of reinforced concrete structure. The granite pieces are gaily applied on the exterior walls of the bank. The entrance facing the Huangpu River features sculptured statues vividly depicting the tour the great philosopher Confucius had made in various states. In front of the entrance there are nine stone steps leading to the bank. Here the figure “nine” is used deliberately to show the largest single digit number suggestive of the infinity wealth of the bank. The floor of the business hall is paved with marble blocks in harmony with arched glass awning adorned on the ceiling. On its flanks, there are a number of carvings portraying the popular scene of Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, with chic palace lanterns hung around them. The whole hall looks spacious, extravagant and incomparable.

In addition, Bank of China, Shanghai branch, was designed strictly in conformity with bank characteristics and safety demands. Decorations on both the inside and the outside of building were meticulous and elegant.

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Bank of China, Shanghai Branch

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