Bank Of China Tower, Shanghai

Bank of China Tower Shanghai: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Significance

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Bank of China Tower in Shanghai stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s extraordinary evolution—bridging rich historical roots with state-of-the-art architectural achievement. This comprehensive guide explores the distinct stories and visitor experiences of the two iconic Bank of China Towers: the historic Art Deco landmark on the Bund and the modern super high-rise in Pudong’s Lujiazui district. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about their history, architectural highlights, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and practical tips for exploring Shanghai’s unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary innovation.

Historical Significance of the Bank of China Tower on the Bund
Architectural Features & Cultural Symbolism
The Bund: Context and Visitor Experience
Modern Bank of China Tower in Lujiazui: Vision and Design
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries
Photographic Spots & Practical Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Historical Significance of the Bank of China Tower on the Bund

Located at No. 23 on the Bund, the original Bank of China Tower is a testament to Shanghai’s transformation into a global financial hub (chinatripedia.com). The Bund, often referred to as “China’s Wall Street,” rose to prominence following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, which opened Shanghai to international trade and foreign settlements (english.shanghai.gov.cn). As international banks and trading houses lined the Huangpu River, the Bund quickly became the financial center of Shanghai.

The Bank of China, founded in 1912, soon emerged as a leading Chinese financial institution. The construction of its Shanghai headquarters began in 1934, intended to reflect both the bank’s stature and the city’s cosmopolitan aspirations. Completed in 1937, the tower became the first major Bund building funded and designed by Chinese interests, marking a pivotal step in the assertion of national pride and economic ambition (asisbiz.com).

Architectural Features & Cultural Symbolism

The historic Bank of China Tower is renowned for its striking Art Deco design. Conceived by architect Lu Qianshou in collaboration with Palmer & Turner, the building’s vertical lines, geometric ornamentation, and streamlined silhouette set it apart from the Bund’s predominantly neoclassical and baroque architecture (english.shanghai.gov.cn).

Key features include:

Height & Structure: 70 meters tall, with 15 floors above ground, two underground levels, and a four-story annex.
Materials: Smooth Jinshan stone exterior, reinforced concrete, and steel for fire resistance.
Cultural Motifs: Chinese characters for “longevity,” stylized rooflines, and decorative elements bridge tradition and modernity.

The building’s foundation ceremony in 1936 was a celebrated national event, further underlining its cultural significance as a symbol of Chinese resilience and modernity (asisbiz.com).

The Bund: Context and Visitor Experience

The Bund remains one of Shanghai’s premier heritage zones, celebrated for its “exhibition of world architecture” that showcases Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles (english.shanghai.gov.cn). The Bank of China Tower’s presence among these historic facades highlights the city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. The Bund promenade is pedestrian-friendly, wheelchair-accessible, and open 24/7, allowing visitors to enjoy the area’s ambiance and architecture day and night.

Modern Bank of China Tower in Lujiazui: Vision and Design

Situated at 200 Middle Yincheng Road, the contemporary Bank of China Tower anchors the Lujiazui financial district, surrounded by Shanghai’s most iconic skyscrapers. Designed by Nikken Sekkei and completed in the late 1990s, the 53-story tower rises 258 meters and covers a construction area of 123,000 square meters (chinadragontours.com).

Key architectural and functional highlights include:

Design Inspiration: The building’s crystalline silhouette is inspired by ancient Chinese coinage, symbolizing financial prosperity (chinadragontours.com).
Materials & Facade: A glass curtain wall reflects the skyline; high-performance glass maximizes natural light and energy efficiency.
Structural System: Likely a reinforced concrete core with steel framework, supporting resilience against wind and seismic activity.
Mixed Use: Integrates offices, conference facilities, dining, and leisure spaces—classified as a Grade A intelligent office building.

The tower’s vertical lines and pointed crown distinguish it from neighboring skyscrapers, while its fusion of Chinese symbolism and Western modernism mirrors Shanghai’s continued evolution (wikipedia.org).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Bund Bank of China Tower

Visiting Hours: The building is an active bank branch and not open for public interior tours. The exterior can be admired at any time.
Tickets: No tickets required to view the exterior. The Bund promenade is free and accessible.
Accessibility: The Bund and surrounding areas are wheelchair-friendly and easily navigable via public transport, with East Nanjing Road Station (Metro Lines 2 & 10) nearby.

Lujiazui Bank of China Tower

Visiting Hours: Open to the public during standard office hours (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday–Friday) for lobby access; no observation deck is available.
Tickets: No entry fee for lobby or public areas. Special exhibitions or events may require registration or invitation.
Accessibility: Located near Lujiazui Station (Metro Line 2); the building and district are fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

Bund Area:

Peace Hotel
Customs House
Waibaidu Bridge
Riverside promenade

Lujiazui District:

Oriental Pearl Tower (observation decks, museum)
Shanghai World Financial Center (“Bottle Opener,” skywalk)
Jin Mao Tower (Grand Hyatt, observation deck)
Shanghai History Museum

Suggested Walking Itinerary:

Start at Lujiazui Metro Station
Visit Bank of China Tower (exterior/lobby)
Explore Oriental Pearl Tower
Continue to Shanghai World Financial Center
Conclude at Jin Mao Tower

This route offers a comprehensive experience of Shanghai’s most celebrated architectural sites (Trek Zone).

Photographic Spots & Practical Travel Tips

Best Times: Early morning or evening for optimal lighting and fewer crowds; nighttime illumination is especially striking.
Photography: Exterior shots are encouraged. Respect posted rules regarding indoor photography, especially near security areas.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, weather-appropriate attire.
Amenities: Nearby shopping centers provide restrooms, cafés, and ATMs. The surrounding district is safe and well-monitored (XPLRverse).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I tour the interior of the Bank of China Tower on the Bund?
A: No, the interior is not open to the public, but the exterior can be viewed at any time.

Q: Is there an observation deck in either Bank of China Tower?
A: No, neither tower offers a public observation deck. For city views, visit nearby attractions like the Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai World Financial Center.

Q: Are there guided tours available?
A: While the towers themselves do not offer internal tours, many guided walking tours of the Bund and Lujiazui include stops and commentary on these landmarks.

Q: Is the area accessible for those with disabilities?
A: Yes, both the Bund and Lujiazui financial district are wheelchair accessible.

Q: What are the opening hours and ticket requirements?
A: The Bund Tower’s exterior is viewable 24/7 for free. The Lujiazui Tower’s lobby is open during office hours; no ticket is needed for public areas.

Conclusion

The Bank of China Towers—on the historic Bund and in modern Lujiazui—together narrate Shanghai’s journey from colonial-era financial center to a global metropolis defined by architectural innovation and economic dynamism. While interiors are not open to tourists, their exteriors provide rich visual, cultural, and historical experiences that are essential for any exploration of Shanghai. Take advantage of guided tours, optimal photography hours, and nearby attractions for a deeper understanding of the city’s unique blend of heritage and progress.

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