The former Salt Industry Bank building, constructed in 1928, stands today at No. 12 Chifeng Road, Heping District. It once served as the headquarters of the Salt Industry Bank and is now home to the Tianjin Branch Business Department of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.
This historical building, covering an area of approximately 800 square meters, is a reinforced concrete brick mixed structure. It boasts an overall Roman classical revival architectural style. The interior colonnade is adorned with Roman Corinthian columns, reflective of its classical influence.
On the ground floor, an octagonal large business hall captures the essence of the building’s grandeur. This hall features Corinthian columned porticoes and a ceiling embellished with a ‘blue sky with flying phoenixes and stars’ pattern, crafted from gold and other materials. The stained glass windows, composed of Belgian colored glass, depict scenes of ‘salt flats and salt drying,’ with intricate patterns that pay homage to the salt industry’s heritage.
The hall’s floor, columns, and business counters are all made of marble, adding to the building’s opulence. The former Salt Industry Bank building has been recognized for its historical and cultural significance. It has been designated as a national key cultural relics protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and as a historically protected building with special protection grade by the Tianjin Municipal People’s Government.
The building is open all year round, with the exterior accessible at all times. Specific business hours are subject to daily opening conditions. Visitors are welcome to explore this architectural gem and its rich history.
