In 1931, a grand apartment building arose in Shanghai. It was called the Abacus Apartment, later known as the Puxi Apartment. The Puxi Apartment stands proudly at the intersection of JiaoLong Road, Wulumuqi Road, and Tongren Road. Its Art Deco style evokes a bygone era of elegance and sophistication. This building, originally seven stories tall, later grew to nine stories in 1977. The Puxi Apartment shares a sisterly resemblance with another building, the smaller Puxi Apartment, both reflecting the architectural trends of the time.
The Puxi Apartment wasn’t always known by its current name. Its original name, Abacus Apartment, hints at its history. It housed a significant number of Japanese residents, including the infamous Riichi Miyake, known as the “King of Go.” The Japanese Navy’s offices were also situated within its walls. Imagine the clatter of go stones and hushed discussions of strategy echoing through the halls. These walls hold stories of intense games and wartime anxieties.
Today, the Puxi Apartment continues to serve as a residential building. Its residents live amongst echoes of a fascinating past. A past filled with international intrigue, strategic games, and a unique slice of Shanghai’s vibrant history. The Puxi Apartment stands as a testament to changing times. It has gracefully transitioned from a foreign enclave to a treasured piece of Shanghai’s architectural heritage. In 2003, the Puxi Apartment earned its place on the prestigious list of Shanghai’s Excellent Historical Buildings. It is a living reminder of the city’s complex and ever-evolving story.