Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Astor House Hotel
Not far from here is this marvellous old hotel, established in 1846 as the
Richards Hotel. It was Shanghai's most prestigious hotel until the completion
of the Cathay Hotel in 1929, and from 1990 to 1998 its ballroom served as the
location of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Russian Consulate
Across the street is the original red-roofed Russian Consulate, built in the 19th
century and still in use today.
Waibaidu Bridge
Head south over Waibaidu Bridge (which replaced the wooden Garden Bridge
in 1907). This was the first steel bridge in China, over which trams used to
glide. Waibaidu Bridge was entirely removed in 2008 for cleaning and restora-
tion.
Former British Consulate
From here, cross the street to the grounds of the former British Consulate
(1873), whose manicured gardens are also home to the former consul's resid-
ence (1884). The consulate was one of the first foreign buildings to go up in
Shanghai in 1852, although the original was destroyed in a fire in 1870.
Former Shanghai Rowing Club and
Former Union
Church
Continue west past the former Shanghai Rowing Club (1905) - noting the old
covered-over swimming pool alongside it - and the former Union Church
(1886) on the other side of the street to arrive at the restored Yuanmingyuan
Rd.
