Behind the Concrete is a monthly snippet where we introduce a piece of architecture that has a unique design and/or interesting story.
Do you know where the very first elevator was installed in Guangzhou? Or the first building that utilized reinforced concrete, mosaic and a fire escape? Chances are you’ve seen it before: the Canton Customs Mansion, a neoclassical establishment that overlooks the Pearl River.
Canton Customs was one of four major customs areas established during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1654-1722) and the only one that handled foreign trade during the late Qing Dynasty. After the Second Opium War, jurisdiction of Canton Customs fell into the hands of Great Britain. But it wasn’t until 1916 that the mansion was constructed by British colonists.
Last June saw the 100th birthday of the mansion, which is known to locals as the ‘big bell building’ for its signature clock tower that used to chime daily. C.D Arnott, the architect that designed the building, programmed the bell’s song after that of the Palace of Westminster, or the Big Ben.
Years later during the Cultural Revolution, it was changed to ‘The East is Red’ – a song that eulogizes Mao and the CCP.
The words ‘Cvstom Hovse’ etched on its portico, the Canton Customs Mansion serves primarily as a museum today, though its bell still tolls every morning and evening at 8 o’clock.
See listing for Canton Customs Mansion.
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