Bank of China Building, Shanghai

At the end of World War I, the Bank of China purchased the property from the government for 630,000 silver yuan.

From then on, the Shanghai branch would each year set aside RMB 500,000 from its surplus, as the construction fund for a new headquarters building.

Since its infrastructure had been reformed and it was strong enough to compete with those European and American banks on the Bund, it needed a new building, which could symbolize modernity, soundness and international credit."

Finally, the Bank of China building was cut nearly half, with a top height 1 foot lower than the nearby Sassoon House.

Dao Kee Construction Co., Ltd, a local firm, won the bid by proposing a budget of RMB 1.813 million for the 18-month project.

On October 10, 1936, T. V. Soong presided over the foundation-laying ceremony of the Bank of China Tower at No.

The Bank of China Tower occupies a gross floor area of 50,000 square meters (540,000 sq ft), consisting of two buildings.

The overall outlook carries a traditional Chinese style, clad in smooth Jinshan stones.

A cut-out of the Chinese character for "longevity" can be spotted on both sides of each floor, imparting a calm and peaceful air to the grand construction.