Shanghai Bund -- International Building Exhibition

Author: Xu Jiaguo (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Shanghai, apart from the colonial-style architecture along the Bund, also has places like Yuyuan Garden that showcase typical Jiangnan-style beauty. The charm of Shanghai lies in how it seamlessly blends Western culture with Chinese culture, which is the essence of Haipai culture. To say Shanghai is a completely Westernized city is inaccurate. Shanghai itself is deeply rooted in Chinese characteristics, although it has fewer historical relics compared to other places, architecture is only a part of cultural heritage, not the entirety. The key lies in the cultural breadth of a city and the spirit of its people. Some people wish for China to remain purely "Chinese" and reject all Western influences, which is foolish. Shanghai serves as an excellent example in this regard, embracing both Eastern and Western elements, being inclusive, and being a melting pot of cultures, which is also a major reason for its vitality. To be honest, some cities have indeed preserved their Chinese characteristics, but they give off a stagnant vibe. Such pride is better left unspoken, as life requires vitality, and we do not need guardians of tradition. For those visiting Shanghai, the Bund is a must-see destination. The architecture along Zhongshan Road (even for the uninitiated) will leave a lasting impression. This article summarizes these insights. May everyone go with enthusiasm and return satisfied. If one leaves feeling underwhelmed, 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 for the building facades of the southern Bund, stretching from the northern end at Yan'an Road East to the southern end at Xin Kaihe Road, covering about 450 meters, has officially kicked off. It is expected that by the end of this year or early next year, seven buildings will remove their modern decorations and reveal a classical and refreshing appearance. "Towering skyscrapers line the riverbank, a panoramic view of the splendor of international styles." A bamboo from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China recorded the prosperity of Shanghai's architecture since its opening as a treaty port in 1854. The entire Bund consists of two parts: the northern section starts at the North Bund Ferry Bridge and ends at Xin Kaihe Road, and the southern section starts at the southern Bund and ends at Xin Kaihe Road. The architectural ensemble is renowned as the "Exhibition of International Architecture" and is celebrated for its inclusive spirit and classical elegance, becoming a symbol of Shanghai's history. However, over time, the southern Bund has undergone continuous renovations and modifications, with many ancient buildings adorned with blue glass curtain walls, external 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 in traditional attire." After extensive deliberation, the Shanghai Municipal Government has approved a plan to restore the classical appearance of the southern Bund. Recently, the "revival" project for the building facades of the southern Bund has been fully launched, marked by the removal of the glass curtain wall of the New Bund Commercial Building, revealing its European classical architectural exterior. It is reported that the seven buildings included in the renovation project, arranged from north to south along the western side of Zhongshan Second Road, are the Qianchen Business Building, the Jin'an Building on the Bund, the Shanghai Archives Exhibition Hall, the Guangming Building, the Oriental Hotel, the New Bund Commercial Building, and the Industrial Foundation Building. The owners of these seven buildings will renovate and clean the exterior walls of their buildings 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.