Shanghai Bund: A Showcase of International Architecture

Author: Xu Jiaguo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: Shanghai, apart from the colonial-style architecture along the Bund, also has places like the Yuyuan Garden that embody the typical Jiangnan style. The charm of Shanghai lies in how it seamlessly integrates Western culture into Chinese culture, which is the essence of Haipai culture. To say Shanghai is a completely Westernized city is not accurate. Shanghai itself has strong Chinese characteristics, although it has fewer historical relics compared to other places, architecture is only a part of cultural heritage, not the whole. The key lies in the cultural scope of a city and the spirit of its people. Some people wish for China to remain "rustic" and completely reject Western influences, which is very ignorant. Shanghai has set a great example in this regard. It embraces both Eastern and Western elements, blending tradition with modernity, and is open to all, which is also a vital reason for the city's vitality. To be honest, some cities have indeed preserved their Chinese characteristics, but they give off a sense of stagnation. Such pride is best avoided, as life requires vitality, and we do not need guardians. For those visiting Shanghai, the Bund is a must-see destination. The architecture along Zhongshan Road (even for outsiders) will leave a lasting impression. This article summarizes these observations. We hope everyone can go with enthusiasm and return satisfied. If you feel it was just "so-so," it would be a waste of the experience. Farewell and welcome back to the Old Bund. The approximately 2-kilometer-long, century-old Bund in Shanghai will be unified in style, shedding its modern "glamorous" glass curtain walls of waterfront buildings to fully restore its classical architectural image of a "United Nations of Fashion." Recently, the "revival" project of the building facades along the southern Bund, stretching from the North Yan'an Road to the Xin Kaihe Road, covering about 450 meters, has officially commenced. It is expected that by the end of this year or early next year, seven buildings will remove their modern decorations and reveal their classical and fresh appearance. "Towering skyscrapers stand by the riverbank, a panoramic view of the splendor of the United Nations of Fashion." A bamboo from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China recorded the prosperity of Shanghai's architecture since its opening as a port in 1854. The entire Bund consists of two parts: the northern section starts from the North Waibaidu Bridge and extends to the Xin Kaihe Road, and the southern section starts from the southern Bund. The architectural complex is renowned as the "Exposition of Architectural Styles from Around the World" for its inclusive spirit and classical elegance, symbolizing the history of Shanghai. However, over time, the southern Bund has undergone continuous renovations and modifications. Many ancient buildings have been adorned with blue glass curtain walls, outdoor air conditioners, and tangled pipelines, creating a chaotic color scheme that clashes with the overall silhouette of the Bund. "It's like randomly drawing modern-style tattoos on the face of a classical beauty." After thorough deliberation, the Shanghai Municipal Government has approved a plan to restore the classical appearance of the southern Bund. Recently, the "revival" project of the building facades along the southern Bund, marked by the removal of the glass curtain wall of the Xin Bund Commercial Building and the restoration of its European classical architectural exterior, has been fully launched. It is reported that the buildings included in the renovation project, arranged from north to south along the western side of Zhongshan Second Road, include the Qianchen Business Building, the Jin Yan Building on the Bund, the Shanghai Archives Exhibition Hall, the Guangming Building, the Oriental Hotel, the Xin Bund Commercial Building, and the Industrial Foundation Building. The owners of these seven buildings will renovate and clean the exterior walls according to a unified plan, remove existing advertisements, reinstall store signs and markers, improve night lighting designs, and eliminate the clutter of exposed air conditioners and pipelines. However, the "revival" of the exterior appearance of these buildings will not affect the upgrade of indoor facilities or the installation of various smart office equipment. Currently, the pedestrian walkways on both the northern and southern Bunds have been connected. It is expected that by the end of this year or early next year, the renovation of the seven buildings will begin to show results, and the entire southern Bund will adopt a classical architectural style that is harmonious with the Old Bund.