At the end of Opium War in 1842, foreigners flowed into the port city of Shanghai. After the British built the British Settlement, the French established their own Concession. In 1900, about 600 French lived in the French Concession, but in 1920's, it was over 3,500. The French Club was built in 1926 by French architects, along the main boulevard of the French Concession, Avenue Joffre, now which is called Huai Hai Zhong Road. In the 1920's, the garden used to be a sports field. One could play tennis and "Petanque" in the Garden. In the 1950's, there was a domed pavilion built in the center of the garden to match these on the club roof, because, formerly, there were two on either side of the roof which were demolished in 1949.
The History of the Building
1926: the building was constructed as the French Club
1920's - 1930's: the building was used as the French Club
1940's: the building was used by the U.S. Army and an indoor swimming pool was built at the place of the current Oasis Cocktail Lounge
After the establishment of the P.R. of China in 1949, the building was used as a People's Culture Palace with the garden as a sports field
1959: Mao Ze Dong, the Chairman of Chinese Communist Party, stayed here for a period and the garden had some changes to match the use of his leisurely walk
1960's and 1970's: the building was vacant and guarded by the army
From the end of 1970's: the building was renamed as Jin Jiang Club
1985: a renovation project started to create the Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai
1989: the renovation was finished
20th March of 1990: the Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai opened and the building joined the new tower to incorporate the hotel, lobby, function rooms, business center and Rose Coffee Shop
After the establishment of the people's republic of china, the club was used as the people's culture palace, the garden as soccer field and sports field. In 1959, when Chairman Mao stayed here, walking path was paved and trees were planted so that the garden was created as the present form. a domed pavilion was built there to match those on the club roof, because, formerly, there were 2 domed pavilions on either side of the roof.
The stairs in the east entrance lobby leading to the second floor vividly reflect the popular art decoration trend of the old time of shanghai. The fine cut, metal railings were likely imported from France. On the landing of the staircase, there is a big window at the top. it was said that stained glass panes were initially used there. Sadly, all efforts to obtain drawings or data detailing these panes failed, so that the restoration could not be undertaken.
Nude female figures once again grace the tops of columns in the foyer. During the פultural Revolutionߡ these sculptures were concealed under a protective measure. The light fixtures here have frames of punched steel plates, which have been fitted with cut glasses. Such fixtures were common in buildings along the Bund. These lights, however, did not provide enough light for the foyer, and therefore chandeliers were designed and manufactured in Vienna to replace them. The inset lights, made of wood and painted gold, were unusual and also impractical.
It was once the most prestigious Ballroom in Shanghai. The prominent feature was the elliptical, sunken dance area with an ingeniously designed spring floor. The recessed floor is now protected, but should the enchanting waltz and passionate tango again rise to capture the hearts of the people, the ballroom may be restored to its original magnificence. Another notable aspect of this room is the oval, stained decorative glasses in the center of the ceiling. The shape is like the bottom of a boat. Its beauty is truly inspiring.
The function rooms retain much of their original splendor. In 1926, when the building was originally constructed, these rooms were connected by arched doorways. Later, they were divided into separate rooms by brick walls. The unusual wave-patterned plaster molding was added when the building became the People Culture Palace. The pattern is symbolic of rolling waves in the Yangtze River.
Originally, there were balconies across the front of both wings of the French club. It is said that the balconies had been enclosed with exterior walls and windows so that one could enjoy strolls in the rain. These walls and windows were removed to re-create the beautiful original balconies that now exist.
