Architectural legacy: Xinheji's timeless impact on Shanghai

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Founded in the 1910s by Xin Heshang from Yangpu district, Xinheji Construction has been instrumental in shaping Shanghai's architectural history.

Renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, the company bridged the gap between design and construction, overseeing everything from foundational work to intricate decorative details.

Xinheji's legacy endures through its role in constructing key iconic landmarks, such as the former headquarters of the Shun Pao newspaper, the Wing On Department Store, and the Shanghai Huangpu People's Procuratorate office building.

Former headquarters of the Shun Pao newspaper

Located at No 309 Hankou Road, the building was completed in 1918. Originally home to the Shun Pao, one of China’s leading newspapers at that time, it later became the headquarters of the Jiefang Daily press group. In 1994, the building was recognized as an outstanding historical site by the Shanghai municipal government. Today, a Western-style restaurant occupies the ground floor, blending modern use with historic charm.

Spanning approximately 730 square meters, the building boasts a five-story reinforced concrete structure. Its facade is adorned with composite pilasters and granite lintel carvings, while some original plaster ceiling decorations remain intact. The design showcases a fusion of modern European architectural style with Neoclassical elements.

Shun Pao building.jpg
​The Shun Pao building. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development]

Wing On Department Store

Situated at No 635 East Nanjing Road and designed by British architects, the Wing On Department Store was built in 1918. The building features a Western Classical style with Baroque influences. Notable elements include a curved facade at the northeast corner and a three-story Baroque tower, with the exterior finished in elegant terrazzo. The street level is marked by three Ionic double-column archways.

In 2005, following several name changes, the building was restored to its original name, Wing On Department Store, bringing back its historic charm and classic look.

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​Wing On Department Store. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development]

Shanghai Huangpu People's Procuratorate office building

At Nos 20 and 22 Middle Jianguo Road, two historic office buildings stand out as key landmarks within the Shanghai Huangpu People's Procuratorate. 

The building at No 22, constructed by Xinheji in 1918, underwent a three-year renovation from 2011 to 2014 and is now the office of the Shanghai Huangpu People's Procuratorate. Exemplifying Classical architecture, the building features a symmetrical facade and a central arched entrance. The rectangular windows are uniformly arranged, highlighting the Classical ideals of order and proportion.

Shanghai Huangpu People
​The office building of Shanghai Huangpu People's Procuratorate at No 22 Middle Jianguo Road. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development]

 

Sources: Shanghai Historical Building Protection Administration Center, International Research Center for Architectural Heritage Conservation at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development