It was originally constructed in 1864 and opened in 1911, and was designated as a major cultural heritage site under national-level protection.

The roof section of the facade has two symmetrical Baroque-style cupolas, with intricate carved details.

Former United States President Ulysses S. Grant was hosted there when he visited Shanghai in 1879.

A massive Italianate Grand Hall was located on the first floor, with ceilings over 12 feet high, supported by enormous Ionic columns.

The hall ended in a curving marble staircase, where twin elevators whisked members to the upper floors.

In 1949, the building was expropriated by the new Communist government of Shanghai, and it was converted into the International Seamen Club, catering to foreign sailors.

From 1996 the building sat derelict, until it was leased by the Hilton in 2009 and converted to become the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, a luxury hotel.