China Merchants Bank Building, Shanghai

This China Merchants Bank Building is one of the Bund’s oldest European style structures. It was built in 1897 as the headquarters of Russel and Co, one of the most prosperous among American Companies with operations in Shanghai during the 19th century. It is also known as the Yuangfang Building.

The China Merchants Bank Building was occupied by banks after it ceased to be the headquarters of Russel and Co. The Imperial Bank of China and the Commercial bank of China had their offices here at different periods. The China Merchants Bank that had its offices in the building was the first bank in China established entirely with Chinese funds. It was also a hospital belonging to the Shanghai Changjiang Navigation Company. Today, it is owned by the Hong Kong based International Enterprise Company.

The Gothic style structure is made of brick and stone. It has four floors and the windows have a typical Gothic flower lattice. The third and fourth floors have small steeples. At one time the structure had a spire with five large crosses. Today the upper floors of the China Merchants Bank Building have been converted into a high end hotel with a classy restaurant for fine dining.