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Okuar Garden Hotel - Introduction
garden:
in the 1920's the garden was used as a sport field. one could play tennis and “petanque” in the garden. after the establishment of the people's republic of china, the club was used as the people's culture palace, the garden as soccer field and sports field. in 1959, when mao zedong stayed here, walking path was paved and trees were planted so that the garden was created as the present form. a domed pavilion was built there to match those on the club roof, because, formerly, there were 2 domed pavilions on either side of the roof.
stairs:
the stairs in the east entrance lobby leading to the second floor vividly reflect the popular art decoration trend of the old time of shanghai. the fine cut, metal railings were likely imported from france. on the landing of the staircase, there is a big window at the top. it was said that stained glass panes were initially used there. sadly, all efforts to obtain drawings or data detailing these panes failed, so that the restoration could not be undertaken. there were other 2 stairways with unique and exquisite wooden railings. after duplicated, the new railings were used for the stairs in the lobby.
2nd floor foyer:
nude female figures once again grace the tops of columns in the foyer. during the "cultural revolution", these sculptures were concealed under a protective measure. the light fixtures here have framed of punched steel plates, which have been fitted with cut glasses. such fixtures were common in buildings along the bund. these lights, however, did not provide enough light for the foyer, and therefore chandeliers were designed and manufactured in vienna to replace them. the inset lights on the columns and walls made of wood and painted gold were unusual and also impractical.
balcony:
originally, there were balconies across the front of both wings of the french club. it is said that the balconies had been enclosed with exterior walls and windows so that one could enjoy strolls in the rain. these walls and windows were removed to re-create the beautiful original balconies that now exist.
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