A whisper of history echoes through the walls of Kangding Garden. This place stands as a testament to Shanghai’s rich architectural heritage. Constructed around 1923 Kangding Garden is a captivating blend of styles. It shows the elegance and artistic value of old Shanghai.
Kangding Garden is located at the northwest corner of Taixing Road and Kangding Road. This building was listed as one of Shanghai’s Fourth Batch of Outstanding Historical Buildings in 2005. This designation protects its unique architectural features.
Imagine stepping back in time to the 1920s. You would be entering a luxurious private residence. The garden was owned by Zhao Zhaolin. He was a prominent paint merchant. Zhao Zhaolin and Zhao Guoting used it as their residence.
The architect K. H. Suhr designed Kangding Garden in the style of Art Deco. This style was very popular at the time. The building features geometric decorations. It emphasizes vertical lines. The main structure is a group of detached villas. These villas show French architectural features.
Look at the facade. You will notice geometric decorative bands. They enhance the building’s visual appeal. A small angel fountain stands in front of the main building. This accentuates the French-style decor. The whole complex shows artistic and historical significance.
I wish we could go inside. I am told that security is very strict. We can only admire it from the outside.
Entering through the main gate reveals beautiful gardens. The gardens surround three French-style villas. Elegant corridors connect the buildings. These corridors have transparent glass roofs. Residents could move between buildings without facing the elements.
Observe the simple geometric decorations on the facade. The red-tiled roofs add to the charm. The exterior walls feature a rough stone finish. The west building has a semi-circular platform at the base of its south facade. The second floor has a semi-circular inner balcony. The third floor features a semi-circular sun deck.
The east facade has a secondary entrance. It connects to the central building via a sky bridge. This bridge is on the northeast corner of the second floor. The central building has a triangular dormer window. It also has two casement windows. The east and west facades each have two flat-topped dormer windows.
The base of the south facade of the central building has a rectangular platform. Two Roman columns run through the first and second floors. They divide the facade into three sections. The second floor has an inner balcony. The third floor features a sun deck. A three-tiered lotus pedestal supports a small angel fountain.
The east facade features a secondary entrance. A street-crossing building connects it to the east building. Like the west and central buildings, the east building’s south facade has a platform. The second and third floors have slightly semi-circular balconies. These are supported by four Roman columns. The fourth floor has a large semi-circular sun deck.
Kangding Garden blends Roman, French, and Baroque elements. It also incorporates Eastern influences. This fusion creates a unique architectural style. It reflects Shanghai’s cosmopolitan nature. The buildings combine various cultural symbols. This creates a harmonious blend of practicality and innovation.
Originally a private residence Kangding Garden became a municipal children’s hospital in 1954. The Shanghai Children’s Hospital moved into Kangding Garden. The four-story building of the east building became wards. The gardens provided a peaceful environment for the children.
In 1955 Soong Ching Ling visited the hospital. She took memorable photos there. For 40 years the Shanghai Children’s Hospital was in Kangding Garden. It received many friends from around the world. The hospital made significant medical achievements. These achievements solidified its reputation.
In 1994 the Children’s Hospital moved to a new location. The Shanghai Stomatological Hospital moved into Kangding Garden. Later Shanghai Shenkang Center Investment Co. Ltd. occupied Kangding Garden. In 2005 Shanghai Shenkang Medical Center Development Co. Ltd. was established. It used Kangding Garden as its office address.
Today Kangding Garden stands as a reminder of Shanghai’s past. Its unique architecture and rich history make it a valuable landmark. This garden embodies the spirit of Shanghai. It shows its blend of cultures and its enduring beauty.