Why does the customs have a bell tower?

Guangdong Customs is the earliest customs established by our government. 1685 (in the 24th year of Emperor Kangxi of Qing Dynasty), the Qing government established Guangdong Customs in Guangzhou as the administrative agency for managing foreign trade. In the 10th year of Xianfeng (A.D. 1860), the Guangdong Customs and Taxation Bureau formally established the Civil Affairs Department at the current customs address.

Guangdong Customs Building (commonly known as the Big Bell Tower) is located in Jiang Yan West Road, Guangzhou. Originally built in 1860, it is a two-story simple building. 1872, the building was destroyed and rebuilt by termites. 1899 was destroyed by fire and rebuilt. On February 9, 65438, in the first year of the Republic of China, another fire broke out, and the floor was seriously damaged and it was difficult to repair. In the third year of the Republic of China (AD 19 14), the foundation stone was laid for the Guangdong Customs Building, which was completed in the fifth year of the Republic of China. 19 13 government reconstruction, 19 16 completed in autumn.

Guangdong Customs Building, designed by British architect David Dick, is a white ancient Roman-style building, which has become one of the representative works of modern western neoclassical architecture. The main materials of this 3 1 meter-high building are all imported from Britain. The tall stone steps, colonnades and mountain flower halls are rigorous in composition and magnificent in momentum. The most attractive thing is the bell tower on the top floor, which is as high as 13 meters. Therefore, Guangdong Customs Building is also called the Big Bell Tower. The architectural photos of April 1925 were sent to the "American Architectural Technology Competition" for exhibition.

The building faces south, with a building area of 442 1 m2, reinforced concrete structure, and the southeast facade is built with granite, with four floors. A dome-shaped bell tower is built on the top, and towers, columns and double columns are built on all sides of the bell tower. There is a big four-sided clock and five wall clocks of different sizes. 19 15 made in Britain. The basic layout and structure of the room are well preserved. The word "Guangdong Customs" on the ticket door of the original central arch was changed to the word "Guangzhou Customs".