This elegant building before us is Lu Yuan 889. It’s a hidden gem in Shanghai. A testament to the city’s rich past. Lu Yuan 889 wasn’t always a charming lane of restaurants and bars.
Originally it was built in 1929. It served as the residence for executives of the Asiatic Petroleum Company. This British company along with a Dutch firm jointly funded this building. They directly sold petroleum products in Shanghai and Hong Kong. The Asiatic Petroleum Company was actually a Chinese company. It dominated the Asian market in the early 20th century. The company suffered greatly during the Sino-Japanese War. Its power waned after the war’s end. By 1951 its operations in mainland China ceased.
After the Asiatic Petroleum Company left. Lu Yuan 889 became something quite different. It housed the Third Guest House of the Nanjing Military Region Air Force. This guest house hosted numerous high-ranking officials and military personnel. Imagine the secrets whispered within these walls. The conversations held between powerful figures.
The building itself is a marvel. It’s a cluster of nine European-style villas. Each villa has two units. There are separate entrances. Every dwelling boasts unique features. The ground floor housed servants’ quarters. The second floor features a large sunroom. The facade showcases elaborate wooden frameworks. Balcony-style windows are a defining feature. The exterior walls on the second floor and up are plastered with lime mortar. The base is constructed of brick and stone.
Today Lu Yuan 889 is a popular destination. It’s beloved by Shanghainese. High-end restaurants and bars occupy each villa. Their signs hang from every building. They offer a unique blend of international and local flavors. The transformation of Lu Yuan 889 is a microcosm of Shanghai’s own evolution. From colonial outpost to a global metropolis. It’s a journey through time reflected in this single address. A quiet lane speaks volumes. It tells a story of resilience and reinvention. A narrative that is uniquely Shanghai.