Built in 1934-1935 the former Hazelwood stands before you. This grand building on 72 Xingguo Road is a testament to Shanghai’s rich history. It was once the exquisite garden villa of a high-ranking executive of the then-powerful British-owned P&O.
The design is pure Art Deco elegance. Clough Williams-Ellis a British architect designed it. He however never visited China. The building’s white stone facade shines. A copper roof glints. This led to nicknames like the “Copper House”. The building was so striking that the head of Hazelwood Ice Cream even rented it.
After 1950 the P&O withdrew from mainland China. The villa became a guesthouse for visiting officials. It later transformed into the Xingguo Guest House. Eventually it opened its doors to the public. In 1989 it received official recognition. It became one of Shanghai’s first designated exemplary historical buildings.
Imagine the bustling social scene within those walls. Think of the significant figures who passed through its doors. The building served as a stage for political negotiations. It hosted important business meetings.
Today the Xingguo Guest House stands as a reminder of Shanghai’s diverse past. It’s a blend of British colonial influence and later Chinese history. It is a beautiful example of Art Deco design. More importantly it is a living witness to the city’s evolution. It shows how a single building can reflect vast changes across generations. A piece of Shanghai’s enduring legacy.