The Masonic Hall dates to 1867. This was the third Masonic Hall in Shanghai. The first, on Nanking Road, was completed in 1855. (F.M. Gratton, Freemasonry in Shanghai and Northern China, 1900). "In 1907, due to lack of space, rear of the building was razed tot he ground, preparatory to rebuilding. When this is completed, a large slice of the front will be similarly treated." (Wright, 1908, 390).

The Comptoir d'escompte opened a branch in 1876 in Shanghai.

In the foreground, see the Ever Victorious Army memorial.