GUIDE OF VISIT

The Hankow Concession, located in Jiang'an District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, is a historical area encompassing former concessions established by Western powers and Japan between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. Stretching between Zhongshan Avenue and Yanjiang Avenue, it once symbolized Wuhan's status as an international metropolis, earning the nickname "Oriental Chicago" (https://chat.openai.com/c/evidence1 ). The concessions were products of unequal treaties imposed during China's semi-colonial era, serving as both bases for foreign exploitation and conduits for introducing Western technology and urban governance . Today, the area is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, preserving over 100 historical buildings that blend European and Asian architectural styles .

Concession of Hankow

Detailed Overview

Historical Background

Origins: Following the Second Opium War (1856–1860), the Qing government was forced to open Hankow as a treaty port under the Treaty of Tianjin (1858). The first concession, the British Concession, was established in 1861, followed by concessions from Germany (1895), Russia (1896), France (1896), and Japan (1898). Belgium attempted but failed to establish a concession .
Expansion: Foreign powers expanded their concessions through coercion. For example, Britain extended its territory in 1898, doubling its original 458.08 mu (approx. 30.5 hectares) to 795.13 mu . By the early 20th century, the concessions spanned 2.2–2.9 km², with a combined riverfront of 3.6 km .

Key Concessions

British Concession (1861–1927):
- Covered 458.08 mu initially, later expanded to 795 mu. It centered on Jianghan Road and housed major institutions like the Hankow Customs House (1924), a 46.3-meter-tall neoclassical landmark .
- Known for financial dominance, hosting banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered .
Russian Concession (1896–1920):
- Located near Huangpu Road, it featured the Russian Orthodox Church and upscale residential areas. Returned to China in 1920 after the Russian Revolution .
French Concession (1896–1943):
- Focused on entertainment and commerce, with European-style villas and the iconic YMCA building. It retained its distinct character until World War II .
German Concession (1895–1917):
- Spanning 600 mu near Yiyuan Road, it introduced modern infrastructure but was reclaimed by China after World War I. Few buildings remain due to post-war redevelopment .
Japanese Concession (1898–1937):
- Expanded from 247.5 mu to 622.75 mu, characterized by hybrid Japanese-Western architecture. It was a hub for trade and espionage until the Second Sino-Japanese War .

Architectural Legacy

The concessions introduced Western "foreign-style" (yangfeng) architecture, including:

Classical Revival: Seen in the Customs House and Hankow Club .
Baroque and Renaissance: Evident in the Bank of Belgium and Sino-French Savings Bank .
Eclectic Blends: The Japan Yokohama Specie Bank combined European facades with Japanese interiors .

Impact and Controversies

Economic Modernization: The concessions spurred industrialization, banking, and rail transport (e.g., the Hankou–Beijing Railway). Foreign enterprises introduced modern management and technology .
Colonial Exploitation: Extraterritoriality allowed foreign control over law, taxation, and policing. The annual rent for the British Concession, for instance, was a symbolic 92 taels of silver (≈$120 today) .

Preservation and Tourism

Since the 2000s, the area has been revitalized as a cultural district. Walking routes along Jianghan Road and Lihuangpi Road showcase restored banks, consulates, and churches, while bilingual signage enhances accessibility . Notable sites include:

Hankow Customs House: Still functioning, with its clock tower playing Westminster chimes .
Eight-Public House: A Renaissance-style apartment complex from 1917 .

In summary, the Hankow Concessions embody Wuhan's complex encounter with globalization—a blend of colonial oppression and urban progress, now reimagined as a living museum of modern Chinese history.