Shanghai's Magnificent Bund Landmark: SPD Bank HQ Free Tour Guide

Step into the heart of Shanghai’s historic Bund and discover the grandeur of the Pudong Development Bank (SPD Bank) Headquarters—a architectural masterpiece once hailed as "the most luxurious building from the Suez Canal to the Bering Strait." This former HSBC building, now open for free public tours, offers a rare glimpse into a era of opulence and global finance. With its breathtaking mosaics, colossal marble pillars, and legendary copper lions, this is more than a building; it’s a portal to old Shanghai.

Completed in 1923 as the HSBC Bank building, this neoclassical marvel cost 10 million silver taels to construct—making it the Bund’s most expensive building at the time. Designed by British architects Palmer & Turner, its facade features Greek Corinthian columns, Roman domes, and Baroque spires. The structure spans three addresses (10-12 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road) due to its massive scale5. After housing the Shanghai Municipal Government (1955-1997), it became SPD Bank’s headquarters in 2000.

Walking through the marble halls feels like entering a living time capsule. Every corner blends East–West aesthetics, narrating Shanghai’s century as a financial capital. You’ll see tourists snapping lion selfies, architecture students sketching the columns, and history lovers marveling at the murals.

The 20-meter-high dome showcases 33 Venetian glass mosaic murals (200㎡) depicting mythological scenes and eight cities where HSBC operated: Shanghai, Hong Kong, London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Calcutta. Hidden phrase: "All men are brothers within the four seas" circles the dome.

A forest of 78 marble pillars dominates this space. Among them,  four solid Italian marble monoliths  (7m tall, 7 tons each) are priceless—only six exist worldwide (the other two are in the Louvre). The hall’s "sky-round, earth-square" design symbolizes harmony.

This unique double staircase blends Western practicality with Chinese aesthetics. Topped with a vintage mother-and-child clock, it once hosted grand ceremonies.

Flanking the entrance, replicas of Stephen (roaring) and Stitt (silent) symbolize banking’s "inhalation and exhalation" of wealth. Originals are in Shanghai History Museum.

-Address : 12 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District (enter via 36 Fuzhou Road ).

-Hours : Weekdays only ; two 30-minute sessions (11:30–12:00 & 12:00–12:30). Limited to 30 visitors/session.

-Booking : Reserve via SPD Bank’s WeChat official account ("浦发银行" or "遇见浦发"), mobile app, or "Pu Da Xi Ben" APP.

-Admission : Free (include ID for entry).

-Transportation :

• Metro : Line 2 or 10 to Nanjing East Road Station (10-min walk).

• Bus : Routes 33, 55, 65 to Zhongshan Dong Yi Road.

• Nearby Attractions : Waitan Yuan (Bund Source), Huangpu River cruises, and Lujiazui skyline views.

• The Bund promenade: Classic skyline walk.

• Rockbund Art Museum: Contemporary art in another heritage building.

• Nanjing East Road: Iconic shopping street within 10 min.

• Historic hotels: Fairmont Peace Hotel, Waldorf Astoria—perfect for tea after the tour.

• Photo Hack : To capture the dome’s mosaics without neck strain, place your phone on the central floor marble and use selfie mode.

• Hidden Shot : The main exit offers a perfect frame of the building with Lujiazui’s skyscrapers.

• Star Spotting : Nearby, find the "Lotus Crown" photo spot popularized by actress Chen Duling.

• Avoid Crowds : Weekdays are quieter; arrive 15 mins early for security checks.

The SPD Bank Headquarters isn’t just a building—it’s a chronicle of Shanghai’s past and present, where every pillar, mural, and staircase tells a story of global ambition and artistic brilliance. From its financial empire roots to its role as a cultural icon, this Bund gem offers an unforgettable journey through time. Book your visit, capture its wonders, and witness why this "Crown Jewel of the Bund" continues to mesmerize the world. Your Shanghai adventure awaits!