The Hong Kong Shanghai Bank (HKSB), was the first building designed in Hong Kong by the British architect, Norman Foster. Since the fantastic success of this building in 1985, Foster has added the International Airport to his list of fabulous designs here. At the time of construction, this was reportedly the most expensive building in the world ever to have been built, costing a staggering US$1 billion. This site was always the home of the HKSB and Foster's radical design is hugely popular on the island. This is partly due to his strategic consideration of the principles of Feng Shui. The building stands on stilts, like a spaceship poised for take off. The HKSB is directly opposite the entrance point of the island and it is inviting and accessible. A Feng Shui consultant advised Foster on the positioning of the escalators inside the building and the lions that guard the entrances.

The Bank is made from a combination of glass and aluminum and is slightly reminiscent of the Pompidou Center in Paris in that you can clearly see the intricate workings of the elevators, escalators and even the workers. Yet this is a much more exciting and spacious building than the one in Paris. Looking up into the building from underneath, the Bank looks something like an ant hill- with busy workers and machinery scurrying away. Visitors can ride the escalators up to the first floor for views of the interior and down on the entrance below. It is well worth doing this and entrance is free.

In 1985, this place was built to outshine the Bank of China. In 1990, the Bank of China was renovated to dominate the HKSB. What the next stage in the competition will be remains to be seen but for now, despite its inferior size, the HKSB is generally regarded as the better (or at least the more popular), of the two architectural wonders.

The Bank of China dominates Hong Kong Island's skyline, but the building's design is very controversial. The bank was finished in 1990 and is the work of a team of architects including I.M Pei (who masterminded the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the National Art Gallery in Washington). Many criticisms of the building stem from the fact that (unlike the HKSB) the architects completely disregarded the principles of Feng Shui. The hard knife- like edges of the building seem to scowl down at Hong Kong and the angular shapes in the building walls are said to be very unlucky. Many residents believe the building brought bad fortune on the last Hong Kong governors', whose residence their shadow cut across. It is also an awkward place to access. The building is surrounded by flyovers and does not have the same welcoming approach as its rival, the HKSB.

The Bank of China building does succeed however, in its main mission which was to dominate its neighbor, the HKSB. The Bank of China is said to symbolize the "new" kid in town- the PRC and the HKSB, is the "old" guy on his way out and now smaller and less significant. The building rises from its cube like base up to a sharp needle point 300 meters up in the sky. Visitors can take the lift up to the 43rd floor of the building for some great views. Entry is free.

Opening hours: Both buildings are open Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm and Saturday 9am-12.30pm.
Addresses: The HKSB faces the Star Ferry Terminal at 1, Queens Road, Central. The Bank of China is slightly to the east but still on Queens Road.