Hongkong & Shanghai Bank (HSBC) Building

Save
  • Address
    Hong Kong Island, 1 Queen's Rd Central, Central
  • Show map Close map
  • Transport
    underground rail: Central (exit K)

Let us know if these details are incorrect

Lonely Planet review

The two bronze lions guarding what is now HSBC (formerly the Hongkong & Shanghai Bank) headquarters main entrance were designed by British sculptor WW Wagstaff to mark the opening of the bank's previous headquarters in 1935. The lions are known as Stephen - to the left as you face them - 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.

The Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Building is a masterpiece of precision, sophistication and innovation. And why not? It was the world's most expensive building (it cost upward of USaround HK$1 billion) when it opened in 1985. The building reflects architect Sir Norman's wish to create areas of public and private space and to break the mould of previous bank architecture. The ground floor is public space, which people can traverse without entering the building; from there, escalators rise to the main banking hall. The building is inviting to enter - not guarded or off limits. Hong Kong Chinese, irreverent as always, call the 52-storey glass and aluminium structure the 'Robot Building'.

It's worth taking the escalator (; - Mon-Fri, - Sat) to the 3rd floor to gaze at the cathedral-like atrium and the natural light filtering through its windows.