Shanghai Custom House is a working customs building on the Bund, at No. 13 Zhongshan East 1st Road. Built in 1927, it pairs Greek Revival Neoclassical design with a tall clock tower facing the Huangpu River. The tower and clock are the details to look for as the Bund lights up in the evening. The building is one of the Bund’s defining landmarks, alongside the HSBC Building. Its bell tower is also noted for views over the riverfront and Shanghai, though access details are not provided.
Architecture and setting
Shanghai Custom House stands on the Bund, facing the Huangpu River. Built in 1927, it follows a Greek Revival Neoclassical design. The eastern section rises eight floors and is topped by a 90-metre clock tower; the western section has five floors and faces Sichuan Road.
The building occupies 5,722 square metres, with a total floor space of 32,680 square metres. Its clock tower is the feature to pick out from the riverfront, where the Custom House forms part of the Bund’s historic streetscape.
A customs house through the centuries
The building has served as a customs house from the Qing dynasty period to the present. An earlier structure was erected in the late 17th century, then demolished in 1925 to make way for the current European-style design. The present Custom House was built in 1927 and was originally called Jianghai Custom House.
Together with the HSBC Building, it is regarded as one of the Bund’s symbolic buildings. The architecture also carries the history of European colonialism in Shanghai, a context to bear in mind when looking at its formal Western design.
Seeing the Custom House
The building is best appreciated from the Bund, where its clock tower faces the river. It is particularly striking after dark, when the lights bring out the stone façade and tower. A clock chime at 7pm is noted, though the available information does not confirm whether it can be heard every day.
The correct address is No. 13 Zhongshan East 1st Road. Map placement may be inaccurate, so use the street address to find the building. The Custom House is a working customs building; no public visiting arrangements or bell tower access details are provided. Check access before planning to go inside or climb the tower.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Shanghai Custom House?
It is at No. 13 Zhongshan East 1st Road on the Bund. Map placement may be inaccurate, so use the street address.
When was Shanghai Custom House built?
The current building was built in 1927. An earlier customs house on the site dated to the late 17th century.
Can you go inside or climb the bell tower?
The building is a working customs house, and no public access details are provided. Check locally before planning an interior visit or tower climb.
What is the best time to see the Custom House?
Early evening is a good time to see the Bund lights come on around the clock tower and façade.
