Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
Stephen & Stitt
The two bronze lions guarding the main entrance were designed for the bank's previous
headquarters in 1935. The lions are known as Stephen - the one roaring - and Stitt, after
two bank employees of the time. The Japanese used the lions as target practice during the
occupation; you can still see bullet holes on Stitt. Rub their mighty paws for luck.
Feng Shui
Examples of good feng shui abound. The building has unobstructed views of Victoria
Harbour - water is associated with prosperity. The escalators are meant to symbolise the
whiskers of a dragon sucking wealth into its belly. And they're built at an angle to the en-
trance to disorient evil spirits, which can only travel in a straight line.
Lighting
The 52-storey glass-and-aluminum building was installed with around 700 lighting units,
including colour-changing fluorescent lights, 18 years after it was built. The project, cost-
ing $5.5 million, ensured the building dazzled as much at night as it did in broad daylight.
Atrium
The atrium located on the 3rd floor has greenery cascading from the different floors and is
flooded with natural light. There's no prettier setting in which to get your money changed.
Top Tips
›
The ground floor is public space; you can traverse and use its ATMs without entering the bank.
›
Take the escalator to the 3rd floor to gaze at the cathedral-like atrium.
›
If you want to use banking services without having to queue, avoid office lunch hours.
›
The HSBC Building isn't Central's only iconic skyscraper; if you're an architecture buff, also check out the
Bank of China Tower (
Click here
)
and Two IFC (
Click here
)
.
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