In Shanghai, architectural beauty does not reside solely on building facades. Step inside these historic buildings in Huangpu district and look upward. Intricately carved domes, dazzling glass skylights, and delicately painted ceilings reveal masterpieces that quietly await discovery.

No 1 The Bund

This century-old landmark stands at the southernmost starting point of the Bund building cluster. Its stunning atrium features an ice-crack patterned glass dome that filters daylight like a work of art. With regular high-end art exhibitions and Baroque architectural details, every snapshot here feels like a vintage postcard.

If you go: No 1 East Zhongshan Road Number One

No 3 The Bund

The building's three-part facade blends neoclassical and modern styles with striking texture. The third-floor gallery, designed by architect Michael Graves, offers sweeping views toward Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jinmao Tower, where art appreciation meets the evolving skyline of Shanghai.

If you go: 3rd Floor, No 3 East Zhongshan Road Number One

No 12 The Bund

More than just a bank building, No 12 The Bund is a living museum where architecture, art, and history converge. The octagonal hall features 33 stunning mosaic murals on its dome and is supported by four seamless Italian marble columns, showcasing the grandeur of neoclassical design.

If you go: No 12 East Zhongshan Road Number One

No 20 The Bund

The legendary Sassoon House, once known as the "first building of the Far East", has hosted countless international luminaries. Now, the north building of the Peace Hotel, it serves as both a luxury hotel and a living museum, standing as a masterpiece of Shanghai's Art Deco style.

If you go: No 20 East Nanjing Road

Yuyuan Garden Malls

Located in the Tianyu Building within Yuyuan Garden Malls, Yuyuan Department Store features a stunning arched dome. The outer blue glass echoes the blue LED strips along the railings, while petal patterns add an extra layer of visual delight.

If you go: No 265 Middle Fangbang Road

Shanghai Concert Hall

The marine blue carved dome is one of Shanghai Concert Hall's signature features. Adorned with more than 800 gold leaf applications, it forms a resplendent "sea of gold" overhead.

If you go: No 523 East Yan'an Road

Former Central Trust Co Building

Situated in the Bund's second row, the building once housed the headquarters of the Central Trust Co. Today, it has been transformed into the Hive Center for Contemporary Art. Push open the bronze doors to encounter two rows of magnificent Roman Ionic columns, supporting a breathtaking stained glass ceiling. Here, classical elegance meets contemporary art, and a stroll beneath this dome alone makes the visit worthwhile.

If you go: No 270 East Beijing Road

Sinan Books

Once a historic church, this building has found new life as one of Shanghai's most beautiful bookstores. The modest church may not be large, but its signature yellow dome and narrow stained glass windows make it instantly recognizable.

If you go: No 16 Gaolan Road, Ruijin Road Number Two subdistrict

Garden Hotel Shanghai

The hotel pairs a 33-story tower with a 1920s Baroque landmark — the former Cercle Sportif Francais, a historic French social and sports club in Shanghai, all set within a sprawling 30,000-square-meter garden. The Baihua Hall, a sprung-floor ballroom that once dazzled old Shanghai, features the city's largest-span glass ceiling, radiant in its brilliance.

If you go: No 58 South Maoming Road

Source: WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Huangpu district committee at "shhuangpu"