“Have you heard of the Big Clocktower?” That is what locals call the Canton Maritime Customs House. We are standing before the \u7ca4\u6d77\u7b2c\u4e00\u5173. It stands as a monument to Guangzhou’s rich trading past. It is also known as the first gate to the sea.
Guangzhou Customs, now Guangzhou Customs, started in 1685. The Canton Maritime Customs became China’s second customs house. It adopted a system with foreign commissioners in 1860. This marked a move toward modernization.
The Big Clocktower’s story began in 1914. It was completed in May 1916. It served as a customs house until 2006. Now, it is a museum. It shows the Canton Customs’ evolution. It also highlights China’s eras of fame and difficulty.
Imagine this ivory-yellow Romanesque structure. It towers above the port. Notice its Roman columns and delicate design. The \u7ca4\u6d77\u7b2c\u4e00\u5173 is more than just a building. It represents Guangzhou’s opening to the world.
Foreigners played a key role in the Chinese Maritime Customs. These officials were mostly from western countries. They were involved in trade and also education. They handled postal service and diplomacy. They became known as foreign personnel of customs.
One unique fact involves Harvard University. Graduates from Harvard served in the custom house. Hart said they performed their duties remarkably. These graduates also helped Harvard’s Asian studies program grow.
Dewey and Morse were two such graduates. Dewey helped Li HongZhang during a visit to the U.S. Morse dedicated himself to historical studies of China. He served in customs houses in many cities including Guangzhou.
Consider the impact of these customs houses. In 1861, Qing Customs received 4.96 million taels of silver. By 1910, this had increased to nearly 35 million taels. Maritime customs tariffs became the second-highest revenue source. It comprised one-third of the annual national expenses.
The Customs House managed the postal service. It established over 2800 post offices in China. It even had an office in London. The Customs House released China’s first stamp collection called The Dragon Stamp.
Today, the \u7ca4\u6d77\u7b2c\u4e00\u5173 reminds us of this history. It reminds us of a time when China received support from America. It symbolizes Guangzhou’s role as a global trading hub. It signifies cultural and economic exchange.
Guangzhou itself has a long history. It was the first city in China to open to foreign trade in the 19th century. Known as Canton in the West, Guangzhou became a vital link in the global trade network. It fostered a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Take a moment to appreciate this monument. The \u7ca4\u6d77\u7b2c\u4e00\u5173 stands as a reminder. It reminds us of Guangzhou’s open spirit. It embodies the city’s journey towards modernization.