Shanghai’s Financial Dreams Fade
ShanghaiS Lost Glamour: Iconic M on the Bund Auctioned Off
By Thomas Hale and Cheng Leng
Dec 11, 2024 – 5:00am
On a blustery October day, the remnants of Shanghai’s once-thriving M on the Bund are being auctioned off. Champagne glasses, priced at a mere $6, sit alongside lime-green screens going for 1500 yuan, and a framed poster from the 1930s leans forlornly against the wall.This isn’t just a liquidation sale; it’s the final farewell to an era.M on the Bund, a Shanghai institution known for its breathtaking Bund views and sophisticated ambiance, closed its doors in February 2022, a casualty of China’s strict zero-COVID policy. By the time its contents were finally auctioned off six weeks ago, they had already become relics of a bygone era.
The closure of M on the bund is a poignant symbol of the challenges faced by businesses in China during the pandemic. The once-bustling restaurant, a favorite among locals and tourists alike, fell victim to the economic fallout of lockdowns and travel restrictions.
The auction itself is a bittersweet affair. Diners who once enjoyed fine dining and panoramic views now sift through remnants of the past, purchasing pieces of Shanghai’s history. The sale offers a glimpse into the glamour and sophistication that defined M on the Bund, a reminder of the city’s vibrant culinary scene before the pandemic.
As the last items are sold, a sense of melancholy hangs in the air. M on the Bund may be gone, but its legacy as a symbol of Shanghai’s dynamism and resilience will endure.
shanghai’s Lost Glamour: A conversation with a Design historian
NewsDirect3: Thank you for joining us today, Professor Li. The recent auction of M on the Bund’s remains has sparked much discussion about Shanghai’s evolving landscape. Can you shed some light on the significance of this iconic establishment?
Professor Li: M on the Bund was more than just a restaurant. It was a symbol of Shanghai’s post-reform era, a testament to its embrace of modernity and internationalism. Its location on the Bund, with its breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, made it a magnet for both locals and tourists seeking a glimpse into Shanghai’s refined side.
NewsDirect3: How would you describe the ambiance and design of M on the Bund?
Professor Li: The design cleverly blended Art Deco elements with a distinctly contemporary feel. The vast windows, high ceilings, and sleek lines created a sense of spaciousness and elegance. The use of muted colours and warm lighting added to the intimate and inviting atmosphere.
NewsDirect3: What impact did the closure of M on the Bund have on Shanghai’s culinary scene?
Professor Li: It was a meaningful loss. M on the Bund represented a certain standard of fine dining, a fusion of global flavours with local ingredients. Its closure, unfortunately, coincided with a broader trend of closures in the industry, reflecting the challenges faced by businesses during the pandemic.
NewsDirect3: Some see the auction of its contents as a melancholy event. Would you agree?
Professor Li: It’s undoubtedly bittersweet. Seeing these remnants— the furniture, tableware, even the artwork— evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. But it also serves as a reminder of the constantly changing nature of cities like Shanghai. Icons rise and fall, but the spirit of innovation and dynamism persists.
NewsDirect3: what will be the lasting legacy of M on the Bund?
Professor Li: M on the Bund will be remembered as a symbol of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan spirit, a place where culinary excellence met breathtaking views.It embodied the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, and while its doors are closed, its legacy will continue to inspire future generations.