Hidden amongst the elegant lanes of Shanghai lies Shangfang Garden. This tranquil oasis wasn’t always a residential haven. Its story begins long before its current name.
Before 1916 this land belonged to a British national. Mr Sassoon. He created a private garden. It featured a Western-style landscape. Lawns fountains and small pavilions dotted the grounds. It was a secluded escape. A world away from the bustling city.
In 1933 the garden changed hands. The Bank of China acquired it. They planned to build staff housing. Construction began years later. The war delayed everything. The building phase stretched over many years.
Finally in 1941 construction concluded. The complex was officially opened. It had five neatly arranged rows of houses. There were 74 buildings. Each was three stories high. They were mostly constructed from brick and timber. The architectural styles varied. Some were standalone. Others were connected in rows. Many were in the Western style. The ground floors housed communal spaces. Guest rooms dining rooms and servant quarters. The upper floors contained living quarters. Bathrooms and other necessities. Intricate iron details embellished windows balconies and railings.
The building’s name also shifted. It became Shangfang Garden. This elegant name came from a famous Chinese poet. Zhang Yuanpei lived there. He was a renowned publisher and writer. He lived at number 24 Shangfang Garden.
Zhang Yuanpei was a titan of publishing. His life intertwined with the garden’s history. He lived in the building during the war. He used his house as an office and residence. He even continued his work despite the turbulent times.
After the war the property was returned to the Bank of China. Later it became a symbol of Shanghai’s high-class residential life. Today many prominent figures. Business leaders lawyers and accountants reside here. Shangfang Garden stands as a testament to the past. It is also a landmark in the heart of Shanghai. It’s a place where history and modernity blend seamlessly. A true Shanghainese gem.