Shanghai has turned into a great city initially because of its location. It is the economic center in China and also an important place for the world economy. The ocean connects Shanghai to the world. The Yangzi River connects this city to the vast hinterland of China. The easy accessibility is the primitive capital of the city.
Legend of time
Along the Huangpu River, not far away you can see the Bund. The western-style buildings that were built on the river, are the most visible sign of the Bund.
In early 20th century, the Custom House on the Bund is equipped with advanced timers. This big clock came from the UK and was set to the East Eight District time. That is the Beijing time. At that time, a globalized world was taking shape, and Shanghai took the lead in adopting an unified standard time to keep up with the pace of the world.
The Custom House on the Bund
When you look at the side of the Custom House, you are facing the famous HSBC Building. With the opening of Shanghai, many financial institutions poured into the Bund. The HSBC Building (formerly known as the Municipal Government Building) is the most populated and spectacular building on the Bund.
The three-section design, which originated from the aesthetics of Roman architecture, makes the whole building solemn and elegant. This method of increasing the security of depositors through a sturdy building appearance is still used by other banks today.
The HSBC Building on the Bund
Witness of history
In our fast-changing world, there is always something that stands and wants to tell us some old stories. Things like Shíkùmén. If you can observe them from the air, you will see red-roofed houses that are neatly arranged, it is similar to the landscape of today’s townhouses.
They are the old houses in Shanghai. Before the founding of New China, they accommodated 60% of the city’s population. The gate is made of stone as a door frame and the wood is used as a door leaf, so they are named “Shíkùmén”.
Shíkùmén
At the end of the Qing Dynasty, wars broke out in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Amounts of people fled to Shanghai to take refuge. For a time, the house became a tight cargo. In order to save space, real estate developers have introduced British townhouse construction. Rich men can buy the whole row of Shíkùmén. Dozen families without sufficient money have to live together in one building. Shíkùmén hasn’t only provided the accommodation, but also witnessed history. In 1921, 13 representatives from all over the country established the Communist Party here.
Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
Old buildings are not uncommon in Shanghai. The Ohel Moshe Synagogue on the Changyang Road is a famous historical building in Shanghai. The walls of the yard are engraved with more than 10000 names, they belong to the group of Jews who have lived in Shanghai. The Synagogue was the center of their religious activities at that time. During the Second World War, in order to avoid the Nazi persecution, 30000 Jews moved to Shanghai, which was the only refuge without entry visa. This city had comforted a nation from exile.
Architecture is the clock of the time. History is witnessed by them. Thanks to them we are connecting with history and different people. We can feel and touch them. If the buildings have attracted you, take your time walking near to them and listening to them, listening to the stories.
In the center of the city, Mandarin Inn is also located in a historical house, which was rated as an excellent building in Shanghai. Your journey of learning Chinese will start here. Come and visit us!
The building of Mandarin Inn
