A symbol of the Chinese Nationalist Government, located in the middle of the Western concessions, the Bank of China (1937) has superbly adapted the skyscraper concept to local architectural influences, with its pyramidal roof curved at each corner and supported by a labyrinth of beams, openwork windows featuring traditional geometric motifs, dragons guarding the entrance etc. Originally designed as a 33-storey building, the original project was swayed by the influence of Victor Sassoon, who didn’t want the Peace Hotel standing in its shadow. In the end, only 16 floors were built.