Cha House, Baroque residential building in French Concession, Shanghai, China
Cha House is a Baroque residential building in Shanghai's French Concession, featuring red brick walls with decorative stone ornaments and symmetrical windows arranged across multiple stories. The facade displays a blend of elaborate architectural details and clear geometric order.
The building was constructed in 1920 for two brothers who worked in the textile dyeing industry. After World War II, it served as additional classroom space for a local middle school.
The structure shows how European and local building styles merged in Shanghai, creating a place where two architectural worlds came together. Visitors can see this blend in the decorative details and the overall appearance of the building today.
The building is situated within a modern development complex and is easily accessible through surrounding infrastructure. Note that access may be limited since it remains a private space, so visitors should check conditions beforehand.
The most remarkable event in this building's history was its relocation in 2010, when engineers moved the entire structure 57 meters horizontally to make room for a new development. This unusual operation required precision equipment and is a rare example of building relocation technology applied in Shanghai.
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