GUIDE OF VISIT
Hankow Customs House (江汉关大楼) is a historical landmark located at the intersection of Yanjiang Avenue and Jianghan Road in Hankou, Wuhan. Designed by the British architectural firm Spence, Robinson & Partners and constructed by the Shanghai-based Wei Qingji Construction Factory, the building broke ground in 1922 and was completed in 1924 . As one of China’s earliest surviving customs houses, it exemplifies a blend of Renaissance and classical architectural styles. Recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, it now serves as the Hankow Customs House Museum, showcasing Wuhan’s modern history and cultural heritage .
Hankow Customs House
详细介绍（Detailed Introduction）
Architectural Features
The building stands at a total height of 46.3 meters, making it the tallest structure in Wuhan at the time of its completion. Its clock tower, reaching an elevation of 83.8 meters, became a defining feature of the city’s skyline . The façade adopts a classical tripartite composition, integrating Renaissance elements such as semicircular arches, decorative window lintels, and Gothic-inspired details . The clock, originally chiming the Westminster melody, was replaced with Dongfanghong (“The East is Red”) during the Cultural Revolution and restored to its original tune in 1987 .
Historical Role
Established in 1861 under the Qing Dynasty, Hankow Customs was tasked with tax collection, trade supervision, and maritime management. Initially managed by British officials like Thomas Dick (the first Inspector-General), it oversaw subsidiary offices in Hanyang and Huangshi to regulate domestic and international shipping . The customs house symbolized foreign economic influence in Wuhan but also facilitated the city’s integration into global trade networks.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its administrative role, Hankow Customs House embodies Wuhan’s transition from a traditional inland city to a modern, open metropolis. It witnessed pivotal historical events, including anti-colonial movements and wartime resistance, earning it a “revolutionary narrative” in local identity . Today, its cultural legacy is preserved through exhibitions at the Hankow Customs House Museum, which hosts folk art displays like Yangxin fabric appliqué and pyrography (fire-drawn art) .
Modern Use
The museum, free to the public, offers insights into Wuhan’s customs history and urban development. It also serves as a hub for cultural events, such as historical walking tours exploring nearby concessions and landmarks like the Ba Gong House and Song Qingling’s former residence .
