Banque de l'Indochine Building, French colonial bank building in Huangpu District, Shanghai, China.
The Banque de l'Indochine is a three-story banking building featuring classical architectural elements from the early modern era. The structure displays Ionic columns at its symmetrical facade and combines Renaissance and Baroque styles, standing approximately 22 meters tall.
The building was constructed in 1914 by architects Atkinson & Dallas during an era of strong Western influence on Shanghai. It remained in operation during World War II because France held a position of neutrality at that time.
The building shows how European design principles shaped Shanghai's development as an international financial center. Visitors can still see the blend of Western elements with the local urban environment in the restored entrance hall.
The building is located at 29 East Zhongshan Road and is accessible during daytime hours to view the restored entrance hall. Access is straightforward to find since it sits on a main street in central Huangpu.
The interior of the original banking hall was fitted with six Ionic columns supporting a glass ceiling designed to maximize daylight inside the space. This detail reveals how early financial institutions used light and openness to convey trust and professionalism.
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