The majestic Old Customs House with its iconic clock tower rightfully stands as one of the main landmarks of the famous Bund waterfront, alongside the Peace Hotel. Built in 1927, this neoclassical structure embodies Shanghai`s pivotal transition from its colonial past to its modern status as a global metropolis. The building`s grandeur is accentuated by its gilded dome, shimmering in the sunset and visible from afar.
History of Shanghai Customs
In 1685, by decree of Emperor Kangxi, Shanghai`s first customs house—a modest wooden structure—was established on the banks of the Huangpu River. Officials in blue robes collected duties in silver and tea from foreign junks.
After the Opium Wars in 1854, control shifted to the British. The wooden building was replaced by a Victorian-style stone structure, its Liverpool-made clocks marking colonial time. It was here that serious efforts to combat opium smuggling began.
The current building, with its 90-meter tower, was constructed in 1927. Designed by British architects Lester, Johnson & Morris, its construction took two years and cost 4.3 million silver dollars. It became a symbol of China`s transition from colonialism to a new era. Today, it preserves its historic mechanical clock and traces of its turbulent past. Every day, the chimes play "The East Is Red," bridging history and modernity.
Architectural Features of the Old Shanghai Customs House
• Style: A blend of British neoclassicism with Chinese elements
• Clock Tower: 90 meters tall, with clock faces measuring 5.3 meters in diameter (larger than Big Ben`s!)
Exterior:
• Ionic columns made of Italian marble
• Bas-reliefs with maritime motifs (anchors, tridents)
• Gold-plated dome visible from 3 km away
Interiors:
• Art Deco marble staircase
• Stained-glass windows depicting trade routes
• Bronze doors weighing 2 tons each
Visiting the Old Shanghai Customs House
Though still a working customs office, parts are open to tourists:
• Historical Exhibition Hall (1st floor):
• Qing Dynasty customs seals
• Confiscated goods from the 1930s (opium pipes, smuggled silk)
• A model of 1920s Shanghai Port
• Clock Tower: Ascend to the bell tower (27th floor) for the best views of the Bund and Pudong.
Daily Clock Chimes
At 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 7:00 PM, the original 1927 mechanism plays "The East Is Red," a melody added in the 1950s.
Why Visit?
This is the only building on the Bund where:
• Original cage elevators are still preserved
• You can touch walls made of Pozzolana cement (its recipe lost to time)
• The clock mechanism operates without modern electronics
• Pro tip: Visit at 11:30 AM—sunlight illuminates the main hall`s stained glass beautifully.
