Consider the year 1914. The Banque de l’Indochine Building stands proudly on the Bund. It is a testament to French investment and architectural flair.
This building is not just another structure. It’s a story etched in stone and concrete. It whispers tales of trade, power, and a changing Shanghai. The Banque de l’Indochine Building is at No. 29, The Bund. Its construction finished in 1914. Xie Sheng Construction Plant built it.
What makes this building unique? It has only three floors. It is one of the shortest buildings on the Bund. Don’t let the height fool you. Each floor averages 7.3 meters high. That makes it the building with the highest average floor height on the Bund.
The Banque de l’Indochine established a Shanghai branch in 1899. It was within the French concession. The building became a hub for issuing banknotes. It took in deposits. It supported French businesses in China.
Before this grand structure stood here, No. 29 housed a different building. It was a two-story brick and timber East Indian-style house. The Bank of Hindustan, China and Japan previously owned it. The Comptoir national d’escompte de Paris bought it.
In 1911, the old building was demolished. The Banque de l’Indochine needed more space. They rebuilt at the same address.
Even during the Japanese occupation after 1937, the Banque de l’Indochine continued to operate. This was due to the neutrality of Vichy France. After the war, as Japanese businesses cleared out, the Banque de l’Indochine grew.
In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party took power. The Banque de l’Indochine became a designated bank. It facilitated foreign currency exchange. However, by the 1950s, foreign businesses left China. The Banque de l’Indochine closed its Shanghai branch in 1955.
The Shanghai Municipal Housing Authority took over the vacant building in 1956. It housed the Traffic Department of Shanghai Public Security Bureau.
In 1989, the building gained recognition. It became an Outstanding Historical Building of Shanghai. In 1996, it was listed as a Major cultural heritage site.
Today, the China Everbright Bank occupies the building. It returned to its roots as a bank in 1995.
Look closely at the architecture. You’ll see Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. The east facade is the main one. It features a tripartite design. Two Ionic columns grace the second and third floors. A deformed Palladian motif marks the first floor.
Notice the materials. The east, north, and south facades are faced with Suzhou granite. The columns are polished Qingdao granite. Inside, teak wood creates a Baroque ambiance. The first floor once housed a grand hall. Six Ionic columns supported the space.
A restoration project in 2010 aimed to revive the building’s original glory. The arched glass ceiling was restored. LED lights simulate natural light in the hall. The main door on the west facade now reflects its original Baroque style.
The Banque de l’Indochine Building is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of Shanghai’s past. It is a reminder of its vibrant history. It stands as a testament to architectural beauty. Take a moment to appreciate its legacy.