Xinjiekou Commercial Circle is the Central Business District of Nanjing. Covering the area of 0.3 square kilometer, Xinjiekou is also an important area for political, financial and governmental exchange, transportation hub as well as entertainment center. With the century-old history, Xinjiekou area is known as "China's No. 1 Business District".
Historical development of Xinjiekou
The history of Xinjinkou can be dated back to over 1,500 years ago, according to the wooden piles and scattered porcelains which were unearthed on Huaihai Road. During the Tongzhi Period of late Qing Dynasty (1636-1912), Xinjiekou got its named. But at that time, Xinjiekou referred to a narrow lane. Before 1928, Xinjiekou was nothing more than a cold block of low houses and narrow streets.
In 1929, the government had the proposals to turn Xinjiekou into a trade center. The major banking operations commenced in 1930, which formed a banking district known as China’s “Wall Street”. About 7 years later, the central plaza opened to the public, and Xinjiekou area gradually became the transportation hub, finance and trade center of Nanjing.
The Central News Agency was built in 1948, which was designed by the architect Yang Tingbao. The building was a typical example of the early modern tall buildings. At that time, the 7-floor building became the tallest one in Nanjing.
In addition, built in 1934, the Dahua Grand Theatre is considered a masterpiece of the Republican era. The theatre is also designed by Yang Tingbao. It used to be considered as one of the Four Cinemas of the Republic of China. On May 29, 2013, after more than 2 years of renovation, the Dahua Grand Theatre was reopened to the public.
Dazzling shopping malls
The Central Shopping Mall was owned by the Nanjing Municipal Government in 1964. At that time, it was the only large-scale department store in Nanjing. In 1952, the Xinjiekou Department Store was established, and it became the first leading company in Nanjing.
Nanjing Friendship Store is the first building with escalators in Nanjing. It introduced the concepts of “high-end” and “chic” to Nanjing for the first time.
Golden Eagle International Department Store was officially open in 1996. Gradually, it formed its own high-end position, with more international brands settling stores in. This mall now becomes an icon and landmark in Nanjing.