UP, UP IN THE SKY

Did you know the eighth tallest building in the world is in Nanjing, China? Nope, I wouldn’t have thought either, but Zifeng Tower, also known as Greenland Center is a super tall 450 meter (1,480 feet) skyscraper that joins the ranks of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Tapei 101 in Taiwan and the Petronas Towers in Malaysia as one of the Top Ten Tallest Buildings in the World.

Last weekend, I got to experience this awesome building firsthand upon staying at the InterContinental Nanjing, located on the 45^th floor upwards. The 89-story building also consists of offices and retail stores in the lower sections, a few restaurants and a public observatory at the very top.

Back in 2010, Marc at the Ming City Walls
with Zifeng Tower in the background (far right).

Another view of Zifeng Tower from the ground

At first staying in a hotel this high up did not really appeal to me. Heights are not something I am too crazy about. Let’s just say I prefer being as close to the ground as possible. But I had to try it at least once; as a lot of hotels these days are taking advantage of the great views that come with being in a super tall building.

Building entrance of InterContinental Nanjing

As promised, InterContinental Nanjing could not have chosen a better location. It is located in the middle of Nanjing’s Gulou Square. This is a highly commercial district with lots of good shopping (Hunan Road and Xin Jie Kou), restaurants and tourist spots such as the ancient Drum Tower. You also get unbelievable skyline views of nearby Zijin Shan (Purple Gold Mountain) and Xuanwu lake. 

InterContinental Nanjing's lobby

Marc beside a beautiful birdcage at the hotel lobby

At the hotel lobby

Our room was located in the 63^rd floor and as we rode the elevator up, I felt my ears pop reminding me that the ground was far, far away! The amazing views of the room made up for it though…and so did the food the next day!

Breakfast was definitely something to look forward to. The Horizon Café, the hotel’s international all day restaurant is located on the 45^th floor surrounded by floor to ceiling glass windows so you get breathtaking views while eating. The breakfast buffet features a live cooking station and a dish spread of mostly Indian, Italian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. 

The live cooking station of Horizon Cafe at the 45th floor

The breakfast buffet layout at Horizon Cafe
with Italian, Indian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine

The Sky Lounge Bar was quite unique as it features a very futuristic, space-age and ultra-modern design. It is suspended in the air on the 45^th floor and gives the same amazing views of the city from its glass windows. My favorite was the floor's gel-like blue substance that moved and created shapes as you walked on it.

Sky Lounge Bar's outer shell is suspended in the air on the 45th floor.

Sky Lounge Bar's unique blue gel floor

All in all, staying at InterContinental Nanjing was an interesting experience, although I was incredibly happy to be back on ground level on the way back to Hefei.

One last view of Nanjing from the taxi to the train station.
The city is even greener now than when I remembered it.

Nanjing is one of my favorite cities in China (I may be a bit biased after having lived there for a whole year in 2010). But it is a city certainly worth visiting just to see its many historical sights and cultural landmarks.

In case you want to take a trip to Nanjing in the future, here’s a list of some of the best sights to see:

• Nanjing Ming City Walls
• Confucius Temple
• Presidential Palace
• Ming Xiaoling Dynasty Tombs
• Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s Mausoleum
• Xuanwu Lake
• Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

InterContinental Nanjing

1 Zhong Yang Road, Gulou District

Nanjing 210008, China-P.R.C.

Front Desk: +86-25-83538888

Fax: +86-25-85518888

Website link: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/nanjing

CAFÉ CULTURE

I’m happy to be back after not posting for some time. I was sick last week with an upset stomach and the weather lately has just been crap…super cold, gloomy and rainy. Springtime where art thou?! Oh I forgot…I’m in China, where spring doesn’t exist. Okay, maybe for two weeks. But usually, chilling cold winter just turns into super hot summer in June with no transition at all. But I think I’ll talk about the crazy weather here in another post.

So, after being stuck indoors for awhile, I decided to walk around and explore the newly opened Hefei InTime Shopping Plaza, the first luxury shopping mall to open in Hefei. It’s located downtown and it was great seeing all the beautiful stores. But before getting lost in a shoe heaven (there was one entire floor just for shoes!), I started noticing the amount of people lounging and having coffee at the cafes. And I’m talking about lines! And I’ve seen this everywhere lately. At every Starbucks and Costa Coffee in China, you’d be lucky to find a seat at all. In a traditionally tea drinking country, the new café culture has become a growing industry and China’s coffee craze doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

Cappuccinos at CAFE 1862, HEFEI

In China, a new coffee culture has been emerging over the last five years and international coffee chains such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee are just some of the first to open stores in this new consumer market. Starbucks first opened its first shop in Beijing in 1999 and is now in 52 cities in China. Starbucks has said it plans to triple its stores in China in 2015. Even in slowly developing Hefei, more and more Chinese are developing a taste and real appreciation for coffee especially among the youth who see it as a way to socialize, relax and meet friends and colleagues. This is amazingly evident with the increase of the number of cafes in the city. Coffee in China is also seen as very fashionable and is essentially associated with a Western lifestyle, which appeals to the young college students, open-minded, affluent, highly-educated professionals and urban consumers.

Of course, cafe culture is not new to me. But it certainly is for the Chinese, so I decided to join them in the craze and get in line. It’s true, I am more of a tea drinker now, but even I have to admit…I can’t resist the call of a really good cappuccino. That perfect frothiness, the smell, the taste…yummy!

A lot of cafes are found inside upscale shopping malls like this
Costa Coffee at InTime Plaza, Hefei

Cappuccinos with the Year of the Dragon design
COSTA COFFEE
INTIME PLAZA, HEFEI


Lounging around and relaxing in a cafe has become a
new craze in China

Other popular international coffee chains in China are Lavazza and Coffee Beanery. Popular and hip Taiwanese coffee chains SPR coffee (www.sprcoffee.com) and U.B.C. coffee are also found in many cities all around China as a more affordable alternative.

Enjoying a cappuccino at Bacchus Pub, Hefei

Even a pub in China can now make a decent cappuccino! 

So have you had your caffeine fix for the day? 

TEA ANYONE?

Years ago when a flight attendant on an airline would ask me the usual, “Coffee or Tea?”, I would say coffee without batting an eyelash. But after moving to China for the first time 3 years ago, tea has suddenly become a huge part of my life and I easily fell in love with it. Now, I hardly drink coffee anymore and would prefer tea to almost any other drink. I love how there are just endless flavors to choose from. I love the aromas and the powerful scents that engulf you as you take a sip from a teacup. I love the way it makes you feel: relaxed, energized, and most of all healthy. Most teas are good for you and can help heal a lot of small ailments, especially the herbal teas.

In China, herbal teas are not just the national drink…tea is an entire culture. Drinking tea is part of everyday life here and believe me, it flows like water. Some of my favorite teas in China are Green tea (which have many variations according to the region), Black teas, and Chrysanthemum tea. Other teas also widely drank in China are Jasmine tea, Oolong Tea and White Tea.

Recently, Marc and I stopped by the InterContinental Nanjing to try their afternoon tea special which featured a mixture of green teas, black teas and the highest-grade Chrysanthemum tea I’ve ever tried. It was a really interesting afternoon filled with tea delights.

The InterContinental Nanjing's tea spread 

GREEN TEA

(lü cha) pronounced lyew-cha

The most popular form of green tea in China is Longjing tea also called “Dragon Well Tea” which is cultivated in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. For our afternoon tea however, we were given Huangshan Mao Feng tea, a green tea produced in Anhui province and also one of the ten Chinese Famous Teas. This tea is grown near the Yellow Mountain and picked in the early Spring. Upon picking the tea, only the new tea buds and the leaf next to the bud are taken.

Marc's green tea

Another variation of green tea

Green tea leaves formed in the shape of a dragon

Green tea leaves shaped in the forms of a starfish,
teapot, and flower basket

Marc holding green tea leaves in the form of a rabbit

Drinking green tea has many health benefits. It is very high in antioxidants and decades of research reveal it to have the potential to fight cancer and heart disease, as well as the ability to lower cholesterol, burn fat, and prevent diabetes and stroke.

CHRYSANTHEMUM TEA

(júhuā chá) pronounced joo-hwah-cha

Chrysanthemum Tea is my favorite tea in China. I love drinking this. I love the “cooling effect” it has when you drink it. Though the water is hot, you immediately feel coolness and a refreshing wave inside of you which makes it perfect even for a hot summer day! This tea is a flower-based tea made from the Chrysanthemum flowers most popular in East Asia. The flowers are usually dried and steeped in hot water. The tea is usually a pale or bright yellow in color with a nice floral aroma. Chrysanthemum Tea was first drunk during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). 

Chrysanthemum Tea
This is a particular high-grade version which requires
the use of only one flower. Normally, 3-4 buds are used
for one cup.

Chrysanthemum tea’s health benefits are said to aid in the recovery of the flu, prevent sore throat and reduce fever. In Western herbal medicine, it is also used as a compress to treat circulatory disorders and varicose veins.

BLACK TEA

(hóngchá) pronounced hoong-cha

In the Chinese language, hóngchá actually means literally “red tea” which is what they call black tea due to the color of the liquid which usually has a reddish brown color. Black teas are post-fermented and are a type of tea that is more oxidized than green and white teas. They are made from the leaves of the shrub Camellia sinensis. Black tea has a stronger flavor than the less oxidized teas.

In 2001, Boston University released a study that concludes that long-term black tea consumption reverses endothelial vasomotor dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease. 

Who knew tea could be so wonderful? So, it might be beneficial to start drinking more tea. After all, what’s the harm? I say cheers to long life, good health and a hot cup of tea. J

Black tea

Afternoon tea table set up

TOP AROMATHERAPY PICKS

I am a big fan of aromatherapy, not just for the wonderful scents that essential oils can bring to a home (I love those essential oil burners!) but also for its unique healing and beautifying properties. Here in China, I was so happy to discover that there is a continuing trend and a growing number of aromatherapy beauty products in the cosmetic market lately, and this just keeps on expanding.

I recently discovered two brands over here that incorporate the healing treasures of natural aromatic plants and essential oils into all of their skin care products...Pretty Valley and Dr. Magic.

Pretty Valley is originally a company that was created in Ontario, Canada selling natural products to the local community ranging from personal care, home décor and gift idea products. In 2001, Pretty Valley Natural Commodity Franchised Co., Ltd. put up their headquarters in Guangzhou and has now founded more than 500 chain stores in over 30 provinces in China.

Website: www.prettyvalley.cn

Where to buy:   6F West Zone 48-49

                         Super Brand Mall

                         168 Lujiazui Xi Lu

                         Shanghai, China

Pretty Valley Rose & Sandalwood Regenerating Day Cream
This super moisturizing cream repairs the skin with jojoba seed oil,
rose and sandalwood oil, evening primrose oil, gingko biloba extract and
centella asiatica extract. I love the smell and feel on my skin!

Dr. Magic has a range of full face and body products using the different essential oil benefits in their Rose Whitening, Jasmine Hydrating, Gingko Refreshing, Ylang Ylang Firming, Chamomile Anti-Allergy and Tea Tree Oil-Control lines.

Website: www.dr-magic.com.cn

Where to buy: Available in almost all Watson’s stores all over China

Because of my new obsession with oils and their many benefits, I actually buy them now a lot more than lotions. Contrary to popular belief, many body oils are not greasy and absorb pretty quickly into the skin. For me, they sometimes moisturize the skin and smell a lot better than many lotions (depends of course what kind of body oil you buy).

Here are some that I can personally recommend as really GREAT products. I bought most of these back home in Manila. Marc has also become a fan of body oils and essential oils and we have been using them a lot this winter, so I seriously have to stock up on my next trip back to Manila!

Planet Noah Oasis Soothing Baby Oil &
Botany Works Sweet Almond Oil

Planet Noah Oasis Soothing Baby Oil – I really love this product! It is 100% plant-based and made of natural ingredients such as Colloidal Oatmeal, Aloe Vera, Calendula, Chamomile, Lavender and Evening Primrose Oil. It is perfect for dry and itchy skin. It fights eczema, psoriasis, rashes, insect bites etc.

Website: http://oneplanetnoah.multiply.com

Where to buy: Available at Sesou Nature stores in the Philippines

Botany Works Sweet Almond Oil – I love sweet almond oil because it is an excellent moisturizer and you can use it for anything! Almond oil is great for dry skin and also relieves itchiness, rashes and skin irritations. I use this mostly as a “base oil” for other essential oils. Since essential oils are very strong, you need to only mix a few drops of them into your “base oil” and massage into the body. Among massage therapists, sweet almond oil is one of the most popular “base oils”.

Website: http://botanyworks.multiply.com

Where to buy: Available at Sesou Nature stores in the Philippines

Left to right: Derma e Tea Tree and E Oil, Durance Lavender Essential Oil
& GIGA Chamomile Essential Oil

Derma e Tea Tree and Vitamin E Oil – This product is so great! I put this on everything from pimples, wounds, scratches, insect bites, rashes and itchy skin. This blend of 75% tea tree oil and 25% Vitamin E oil is known as a “medicine kit in a bottle”. Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties while Vitamin E is a great antioxidant and moisturizer. One of the best things I’ve ever bought!

Website: www.dermae.com

Where to buy: Available at all Healthy Options stores in the Philippines

Durance Huile Essentielle Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Essential Oil) – If you have to buy one essential oil in your lifetime, it has to be Lavender Essential Oil. Lavender is the most versatile of all essential oils and it is also one of the safest. Unlike other essential oils, you can apply this on the skin neat or undiluted. It also has so many uses and healing properties: for relaxation (a few drops in the bath), mild analgesic (for headaches and stress), for cough and flu (can be used in steam inhalation) and for First-Aid (can use neat on wounds, cuts, sores and insect bites). It is also good for eczema, acne and psoriasis. Plus, it smells great!! You can also use Lavender Essential Oil as your perfume. Simply dot a few drops on your wrists and on your neck.

Website: www.durance.fr

Where to buy: Available at Beauty Bar stores in the Philippines

Giga Chamomile Essential Oil – Chamomile essential oil is soothing and calming. It is a great blend to put in massage oils (just a few drops in a base oil). It is also great for insomnia (diffuse in an oil burner),menstrual cramps and indigestion (rub gently on the stomach after mixing with a base oil).

Website: www.giga.com.ph

Where to buy: Available at Sesou Nature stores in the Philippines

SEEING RED!

I never saw so much of the color red as during this one entire week of Chinese New Year celebrations in mainland China. I wouldn't say red is exactly my favorite color, although, I realized that when it comes to fashion, I like it a lot. I used to have a favorite red dress I wore for years, I like red blouses and I'm still on the hunt for the perfect red shoe. Red is bright, bold and dynamic and is a great statement color for any occasion. Nobody can deny that.  

Here in China though, red takes on a whole new meaning and level of significance for the Chinese. Aside from being the official bridal color at weddings, the color is seen as enthusiastic, a symbol of good luck, celebration, happiness, joy, vitality and long life. This is why during Chinese New Year, the whole of China splashes red around in full display. 

Chinese New Year decorations are a very important part of the New Year festivities and some of my favorites are the Money Tree, the red lanterns and the red envelopes or "hong bao". The Chinese Money Tree is believed to bring money and fortune to people and is a symbol of affluence, nobility and auspiciousness. The Chinese red lanterns symbolize wealth and if you hang them during Chinese New Year, a wedding or a party, it is said to bring money, luck and harmony. The tiny red envelopes called "hong bao" in Mandarin are traditionally filled with money and are typically only given to children or unmarried adults. This means that I received none of these! haha. :) No hong bao for me...

But I did get a chance to see an entire week of celebrations, festivities and the "hong bao" being used as decorations (usually hung on the Money Trees). Here are some pictures of Chinese New Year week.

ME POSING BY THE MONEY TREE AT HYATT REGENCY'S LOBBY
HANGZHOU, CHINA

RED LANTERNS AT HOWARD JOHNSON'S LOBBY
HEFEI, CHINA

HONG BAO HANGING ON A MONEY TREE

MONEY TREES AT HOWARD JOHNSON'S LOBBY
HEFEI, CHINA

HAPPY YEAR OF THE DRAGON TO YOU ALL!!

FIRING UP MY TASTE BUDS

The first time I tried Sichuan food (also called Szechuan cuisine), I actually spit it out (sorry to be gross!) as a reflex when some of the hot peppercorns slid down my throat. Marc wanted to die of embarrassment, while I just simply turned red with watery eyes and started coughing up a storm. I was definitely an amateur at trying the famous Sichuan peppercorn. We were in a small Sichuan restaurant back in Hangzhou in 2009 eating steamed fish soup with chili peppercorns. After that incident, I vowed never to try Sichuan food ever again. I thought, this is crazy spicy and it’s really not for me. 

As time passed however, Marc convinced me to give it another chance since he simply loves Sichuan food, and because of the fact that along with Cantonese, Shandong and Jiangsu cuisine, Sichuan cuisine is one of the best known and influential cuisines in China. So I gave it another go and what do you know? Lo and behold, I now actually find myself craving Sichuan food from time to time. After trying other dishes and opening my mind and taste buds to its fiery and bold flavors once again, I admit it won me over and I am now partially hooked. 

After all, I’ve always liked spicy dishes, as long as it doesn’t go to the extreme. I love Thai food and Indian food and I always put hot sauce on my pizza. I believe a little chili really gives food that extra kick. So I just had to learn which dishes to pick and when not to overdo the spice.

SICHUAN DRY-FRIED GREEN BEANS (YUMMY!)

I’ve also learned in trying different Sichuan dishes that the cuisine is not all about “hot and spicy” but that the cuisine is really all about emphasizing bold flavors through the use of garlic (yum!), chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorn, peanuts, sesame paste, broad bean chili paste, chili oil and ginger. Sichuan cuisine is actually composed of seven basic flavors: sour, pungent, hot, sweet, bitter, aromatic and salty.

DEEP FRIED FISH WITH CHILI AND PEPPERCORNS

For starters, the landscape of Sichuan province has a lot to do with the development of their cuisine. Sichuan province (also the home of the beloved pandas) is known as “heavenly country” to the Chinese due to the province’s abundance of food and natural resources. The people from this area believe in strong, good flavor and are fond of hot and spicy tastes. Usually most of the dishes are stir-fried, steamed and braised.

BRAISED POMFRET WITH PORK RELISH
AND SWEET & SPICY SAUCE

The most well-known dishes are the Kung Pao Chicken and Spicy Dan Dan Noodles. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, has been declared by UNESCO as a city of Gastronomy in 2011 due to its award-winning Sichuan style of cooking.

STIR-FRIED KUNG PAO CHICKEN (MY FAVORITE!)
THIS IS JUST DELICIOUS!!

Are you ready for some spice? If so, here’s an easy Sichuan recipe that anyone can try at home anytime. 

STIR-FRY KUNG PAO CHICKEN RECIPE 

(copied from chinesefood.about.com)

 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 7 to 8 ounces each

Marinade:

2 teaspoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

Sauce:

2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

1 teaspoon sugar

Other:

8 small dried red chili peppers

2 cloves garlic

2 green onions (spring onions, scallions)

4 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed

1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn, optional

1/2 cup peanuts or cashews

few drops sesame oil, optional

Preparation:

1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Combine with the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last. Marinate the chicken for 25 minutes.

2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce and vegetables: In a small bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Set aside.

3. Cut the chilies in half so that they are approximately the same size as the chicken cubes. Remove the seeds. Peel and finely chop the garlic. Cut the green onion on the diagonal into thirds.

4. Heat the wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Stir-fry until it turns white and is 80 percent cooked. Remove from the wok.

5. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and stir-fry until aromatic (about 30 seconds). Add the chili peppers and the Sichuan peppercorn if using. Stir-fry briefly until they turn dark red.

6. Add the sauce to the wok. Bring to a boil. Add the chicken back into the pan. Stir in the peanuts and the green onion. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve hot.

Enjoy!!

Some great Sichuan restaurants in China:

SOUTH BEAUTY RESTAURANTS (all around China)

www.southbeautygroup.com/en

SICHUAN CITIZEN

30 Donghu Lu, near Huaihai Lu (French Concession)

Shanghai

Phone: (86 21) 5404 1235

MAURYA (Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine)

75 Mengzi Dong Lu, near Liyuan Lu (French Concession)

Shanghai

Phone: (86 21) 3307 0770

ARCHITECTURAL DELIGHTS

As an additional tourist reference to my post last week, if you ever do find yourself staying at the Hotel Indigo Shanghai anytime soon, consider yourself lucky and take the time to stroll down The Bund’s waterfront collection of 52 historical buildings, all built in the various architectural styles ranging from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classical, Beau-Arts and Art Deco. Shanghai is one of the cities known to have the richest collections of Art Deco architectures in the world.

Definitely, Europe is home to much older, iconic buildings and structures. Nothing beats Europe’s historical beauty. But one thing unique about Shanghai is that for an Asian city, you can actually walk down this amazing boulevard of European-style buildings all perfectly maintained, restored and renovated to perfection. It is almost surreal. If you are a fan of architecture or just simply enchanted by anything old and historic (like me!), you will love learning some of these unique buildings’ interesting backgrounds. It makes the walk down The Bund a lot more special.

Since my last recent trip to Shanghai, I have become more and more obsessed with The Bund’s history and have started taking pictures of all the old buildings. I just find them simply beautiful. Unfortunately, I don’t have space here to post all 52 buildings, so I’ll just share a few of my favorites and of course, the most famous ones.

THE ASIA BUILDING

The Asia Building or the McBain/Asiatic Petroleum Building is located at No.1 on The Bund. It is a six-storey structure built in 1916 for the Royal Dutch Shell’s Asiatic Petroleum division. It also later housed the Shanghai Metallurgical Designing & Research Institute.

THE SHANGHAI CLUB 

The Shanghai Club is located at No.2 on The Bund and is a three-storey Baroque Revival style building, which was the former British Men’s Club, the most exclusive club in Shanghai during the 1920s-1930s heydays. The original red-brick structure was built in 1861, and former United States President Ulysses S. Grant was once hosted there on his visit to Shanghai in 1879. Later on, the building was rebuilt in 1910 with reinforced concrete to its present day Baroque Revival design. Today it is the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Shanghai. 

THE UNION BUILDING

The Union Building is one of my favorites because of how it has transformed into a modern day luxury shopping center/ restaurant and bar complex. It is located at No. 3 on The Bund and is now simply called “Three on The Bund.”

The six-storey building was built in 1916 by P&T Architects and Surveyors (Palmer & Turner) and the very first building in Shanghai to use a steel structure. It is designed in Neo-Renaissance style with some Baroque style details. The rooftop has an iconic domed corner pavilion which is now a part of a restaurant’s private terrace. Restaurants located here are Jean Georges, Nougatine, Whampoa Club, New Heights, House of Wine and The Cupola. For beauty and wellness, there is the Evian Spa and for shopping, the Giorgio Armani Flagship Store.

Website: www.threeonthebund.com

THE CHINA MERCHANTS BANK BUILDING

The China Merchants Bank Building located on No.6 on The Bund stops you in your tracks when you first see it. It is a full-on Gothic style beauty. It was built in 1897 and now houses the Shiatzy Chen Flagship Store. Shiatzy Chen is a Taiwanese luxury goods fashion house often described as “the Chanel of Taiwan” focusing on neo-Chinese chic design.

Website: www.shiatzychen.com

GREAT NORTHERN TELEGRAPH COMPANY BUILDING

This Great Northern Telegraph Building was built in 1906 in the late French Renaissance style. It is located on No.7 on The Bund and was designed by Atkinson and Dallas and now houses the Bangkok Bank and the Consulate of Thailand. 

THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING

The old HSBC building is one of the most famous buildings on The Bund. It is a six-storey Neo-Classical building designed by British architecture firm, Palmer & Turner Architects and Surveryors, and was the headquarters of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation from 1923 – 1955. It is located at No.12 on The Bund and now houses the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. It first started construction in 1921 and completed in 1923. The interior of the HSBC building is also known for its beautiful mosaic-tiled ceilings.  

A mosaic ceiling inside the HSBC building

SHANGHAI CUSTOMS HOUSE

The Customs House building is also one of the most famous buildings on The Bund. This eight-storey building was built in 1927, and to this day, it is still the Customs House. Along with the HSBC building, it is one of the most recognizable buildings on The Bund and in Shanghai. The exterior of the building can be described as a Greek-revival Neo-Classicist design. Its iconic feature is the clock tower which was built according to the designs of Big Ben in London. It remains the largest clock in Asia.

THE PEACE HOTEL 

Last but not the least is The Peace Hotel. The Peace Hotel is divided into two buildings, the South building and the North building. The North Building, No.20 on The Bund, is also called the Sassoon House. It was built by Sir Victor Sassoon of the famous Sassoon family, a real estate businessman in the early 20^th century. It originally housed the Cathay Hotel, but in 2007, it has undergone extensive renovation and as of 2010, it is now the luxurious Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai.

Website: http://www.fairmont.com/peacehotel

The Peace Hotel South Building, now The Swatch Art Peace Hotel

The South building or No.19 on The Bund was once called the Palace Hotel and built in 1908. Today it has been transformed into the Swatch Art Peace Hotel. The exterior showcases a Renaissance style structure and the interiors consist of mostly jewelry and watch shops along with a boutique hotel, a Swatch showroom and huge store, and various restaurants.

Website: http://www.swatch-art-peace-hotel.com/