江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)(guan)大(da)(da)樓(lou)(lou)是(shi)武漢(han)市的標志性建(jian)筑之一，位(wei)于(yu)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)路(lu)和(he)沿江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)大(da)(da)道(dao)的交匯處，左側與(yu)沿江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)大(da)(da)道(dao)平行(xing)，正(zheng)門朝(chao)東。1861年(nian)(nian)(nian)，英國政府根據《中英天津條約》第(di)10款，迫使(shi)清(qing)政府將鎮江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)、九(jiu)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)、漢(han)口辟為(wei)對外貿易口岸，并分設(she)海關(guan)(guan)。漢(han)口海關(guan)(guan)——江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)(guan)于(yu)1861年(nian)(nian)(nian)11月成(cheng)(cheng)立。1922年(nian)(nian)(nian)11月4日，江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)(guan)成(cheng)(cheng)立60周年(nian)(nian)(nian)時，該樓(lou)(lou)舉(ju)行(xing)奠基典禮，1924年(nian)(nian)(nian)1月21日落(luo)成(cheng)(cheng)。共耗銀100萬(wan)兩，由英資思九(jiu)生洋行(xing)設(she)計并監督，上海魏(wei)清(qing)記營(ying)造廠承包。這幢4層(ceng)(ceng)的海關(guan)(guan)大(da)(da)樓(lou)(lou)座落(luo)在突出江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)面(mian)(mian)的地段，方(fang)便監視(shi)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)面(mian)(mian)活動(dong)；同(tong)時巧妙地構(gou)成(cheng)(cheng)了這兩條馬路(lu)的對景。大(da)(da)樓(lou)(lou)占地1499平方(fang)米(mi)，建(jian)筑面(mian)(mian)積4009平方(fang)米(mi)，總(zong)高(gao)度46.3米(mi)，鐘(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)(lou)頂端高(gao)出地面(mian)(mian)83.8米(mi)，為(wei)武漢(han)當時較(jiao)高(gao)建(jian)筑。由英國建(jian)筑師景明設(she)計，恒紀建(jian)筑公司承建(jian)，1922年(nian)(nian)(nian)動(dong)工，1924年(nian)(nian)(nian)落(luo)成(cheng)(cheng)。占地1400平方(fang)米(mi)，高(gao)約40米(mi)，鐘(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)(lou)頂端高(gao)出地面(mian)(mian)83.8米(mi)。整個(ge)建(jian)筑具有歐洲文(wen)藝復興時期的流行(xing)風格。底(di)(di)層(ceng)(ceng)主(zhu)體建(jian)筑為(wei)正(zheng)方(fang)形五層(ceng)(ceng)結構(gou)，外墻(qiang)用麻石(shi)砌筑，底(di)(di)墻(qiang)厚約1至2米(mi)，正(zheng)門有兩人合抱(bao)的麻石(shi)圓(yuan)柱8根，門前的臺(tai)階有23級(ji)，上面(mian)(mian)還(huan)有漢(han)白玉踏步5級(ji);莊重(zhong)雄偉。底(di)(di)層(ceng)(ceng)上為(wei)長(chang)方(fang)形建(jian)筑。再上為(wei)因層(ceng)(ceng)20米(mi)高(gao)的鐘(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)(lou):底(di)(di)層(ceng)(ceng)為(wei)大(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)擺砣室(shi)，二層(ceng)(ceng)為(wei)大(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)機(ji)件室(shi)，三層(ceng)(ceng)為(wei)大(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)時針室(shi)，上層(ceng)(ceng)為(wei)七(qi)個(ge)音階組(zu)成(cheng)(cheng)的音響室(shi)。
鐘樓(lou)的(de)(de)四面(mian)都(dou)有(you)直徑約4米(mi)的(de)(de)鐘面(mian)，針長1.7米(mi)。晴朗天氣，十里以(yi)外可見(jian)。按刻(ke)奏樂、按時(shi)打點的(de)(de)鐘聲(sheng)亦(yi)遠播數(shu)里，解放前所奏樂曲為英(ying)國(guo)女(nv)王(wang)加(jia)冕時(shi)演(yan)奏的(de)(de)《女(nv)王(wang)萬歲(sui)(sui)》 。在大樓(lou)的(de)(de)奠基(ji)石(shi)上，也刻(ke)著擔任我國(guo)總稅務司職務的(de)(de)英(ying)國(guo)人安格聯(lian)的(de)(de)名字(zi)。到(dao)處都(dou)打上了(le)英(ying)國(guo)殖民者迫使我國(guo)開漢(han)口為商埠(bu)、并(bing)(bing)且牢(lao)牢(lao)控制(zhi)我漢(han)口海(hai)關(當時(shi)稱江(jiang)漢(han)關)主(zhu)權的(de)(de)印(yin)記。解放后，人民政府接管了(le)海(hai)關，并(bing)(bing)且正式定名為武漢(han)關，曾用(yong)《東方紅(hong)》樂曲取代了(le)《女(nv)王(wang)萬歲(sui)(sui)》。江(jiang)漢(han)關大樓(lou)是武漢(han)海(hai)關辦公處所。
大樓(lou)臨(lin)江(jiang)一側的(de)底層外墻上(shang)，嵌有三塊(kuai)(kuai)銅牌：一塊(kuai)(kuai)是(shi)(shi)揚(yang)子江(jiang)技術(shu)委員(yuan)會標(biao)識的(de)武漢(han)海(hai)拔高(gao)度，字(zi)跡(ji)模(mo)糊、無法辨(bian)認(ren);一塊(kuai)(kuai)上(shang)刻(ke)(ke)“民國(guo)廿年(nian)(nian)八月(yue)十九(jiu)日大水(shui)最高(gao)點53.65英尺”，這(zhe)是(shi)(shi)當年(nian)(nian)漢(han)口(kou)被(bei)洪(hong)水(shui)淹沒時(shi)的(de)最高(gao)水(shui)位(wei)；另一塊(kuai)(kuai)上(shang)刻(ke)(ke)“1954年(nian)(nian)8月(yue)18日下午3時(shi)，最高(gao)洪(hong)水(shui)位(wei)29.73米(以吳松為零(ling)點)”，是(shi)(shi)當年(nian)(nian)武漢(han)市水(shui)利局標(biao)記的(de)那次(ci)特大洪(hong)水(shui)的(de)最高(gao)水(shui)位(wei)。在(zai)這(zhe)座大樓(lou)建成以前(qian)，江(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)署設在(zai)今天津(jin)路(lu)下首市政協大樓(lou)之前(qian)的(de)英國(guo)領事館駐地。
大(da)樓(lou)設計考慮(lv)了長(chang)江水位(wei)對建筑的(de)影響，其基礎高于長(chang)江平均洪水位(wei)標高，在1931年、1954年的(de)兩(liang)次大(da)水中，大(da)樓(lou)受漬，而室內安然無恙。
大(da)樓(lou)(lou)(lou)的建筑風(feng)格(ge)屬于文(wen)藝復興式樣，三(san)段式構(gou)圖，中(zhong)部設有典(dian)雅的鐘(zhong)樓(lou)(lou)(lou)，鐘(zhong)樓(lou)(lou)(lou)四面(mian)(mian)裝有直(zhi)徑(jing)4米的時(shi)鐘(zhong)，準(zhun)點的鐘(zhong)聲(sheng)一(yi)直(zhi)構(gou)成武漢(han)城市生活(huo)的一(yi)部分。花崗(gang)巖(yan)外(wai)墻(qiang)，堅固壯觀，東、西、北(bei)三(san)個立(li)面(mian)(mian)墻(qiang)均(jun)有花崗(gang)石(shi)柱廊，采用科林斯(si)柱式，北(bei)面(mian)(mian)的8根石(shi)柱直(zhi)徑(jing)1.5米。江漢(han)關大(da)樓(lou)(lou)(lou)是(shi)武漢(han)古典(dian)復興風(feng)格(ge)的典(dian)范建筑。大(da)樓(lou)(lou)(lou)為(wei)(wei)鋼筋混凝土結構(gou)，主樓(lou)(lou)(lou)4層，底層為(wei)(wei)半地下室。鐘(zhong)樓(lou)(lou)(lou)亦(yi)為(wei)(wei)4層，頂端高出地面(mian)(mian)83.8米，在(zai)當(dang)時(shi)是(shi)武漢(han)三(san)鎮(zhen)的第二高建筑。
大(da)樓(lou)采用(yong)鋼筋(jin)(jin)混凝土筏(fa)式基礎。以(yi)前武(wu)漢(han)地(di)區(qu)較(jiao)大(da)的(de)(de)建(jian)筑(zhu)大(da)都是(shi)采用(yong)條石基礎，自19世紀末水泥(ni)引進(jin)武(wu)漢(han)，鋼筋(jin)(jin)混凝土亦相應引進(jin)以(yi)逐步取(qu)代條石基礎。外墻(qiang)用(yong)花(hua)崗(gang)石壘砌(qi)，大(da)樓(lou)的(de)(de)東、西(xi)、北(bei)三(san)(san)方均帶花(hua)崗(gang)石廊(lang)(lang)柱(zhu)，飾以(yi)變形(xing)的(de)(de)古典“科林斯”柱(zhu)頭。這些花(hua)崗(gang)石都是(shi)湖南出產(chan)的(de)(de)，上面(mian)(mian)(mian)刻(ke)有花(hua)紋線條，堅固而壯觀。尤其(qi)是(shi)面(mian)(mian)(mian)對租界區(qu)的(de)(de)北(bei)面(mian)(mian)(mian)的(de)(de)8根廊(lang)(lang)柱(zhu)，高約10米，直徑1.5米，要兩(liang)個人(ren)才能(neng)(neng)合抱過來(lai)。人(ren)們來(lai)到(dao)它的(de)(de)面(mian)(mian)(mian)前，面(mian)(mian)(mian)對通向大(da)門的(de)(de)28級(ji)臺階和(he)并排而立的(de)(de)廊(lang)(lang)柱(zhu)，皆能(neng)(neng)感(gan)受到(dao)威嚴和(he)莊重。大(da)樓(lou)立面(mian)(mian)(mian)設(she)計(ji)運(yun)用(yong)三(san)(san)段式構圖手法(fa)，利用(yong)鐘(zhong)樓(lou)突出中心(xin)入口(kou)，表現(xian)古典主(zhu)義風格；墻(qiang)面(mian)(mian)(mian)、山花(hua)、窗楣和(he)入口(kou)半圓形(xing)拱(gong)門的(de)(de)處理(li)，表現(xian)出西(xi)方文藝復(fu)興時(shi)典型的(de)(de)建(jian)筑(zhu)風格。大(da)樓(lou)的(de)(de)后面(mian)(mian)(mian)，則可見它的(de)(de)南面(mian)(mian)(mian)是(shi)開口(kou)的(de)(de)，使建(jian)筑(zhu)物呈(cheng)三(san)(san)合院布局(ju)。這可能(neng)(neng)是(shi)設(she)計(ji)時(shi)考慮到(dao)此(ci)面(mian)(mian)(mian)與舊市區(qu)接(jie)攘，如此(ci)設(she)計(ji)更能(neng)(neng)顯出與周邊的(de)(de)和(he)諧。
這棟大(da)樓從二層到四層都建有(you)內廊(lang)，鏤空黑色鐵欄(lan)連接著花(hua)崗石廊(lang)柱，剛與柔的反差，粗與細(xi)的嵌合，可以說是鬼(gui)斧神(shen)工。
江(jiang)漢關的(de)鐘(zhong)樓(lou)(lou)有20米(mi)高，也有4層(ceng)，底層(ceng)為大鐘(zhong)擺砣室(shi)(shi)，二層(ceng)為大鐘(zhong)機件室(shi)(shi)，三層(ceng)為大鐘(zhong)時針(zhen)室(shi)(shi)，上(shang)(shang)層(ceng)為7個音階組成的(de)音響室(shi)(shi)。鐘(zhong)樓(lou)(lou)內(nei)設(she)鋼梯，拾級而上(shang)(shang)，可(ke)直達頂(ding)層(ceng)；鐘(zhong)樓(lou)(lou)的(de)外(wai)墻，四面均(jun)嵌(qian)設(she)著(zhu)巨大鐘(zhong)面，直徑(jing)逾3米(mi)，針(zhen)長1.7米(mi)。晴朗(lang)天氣，十里(li)以外(wai)可(ke)見。鐘(zhong)樓(lou)(lou)上(shang)(shang)還設(she)有風(feng)向儀(yi)，中間鑲有一座鎏金英國(guo)帆船。整個設(she)計風(feng)格是英國(guo)特有的(de)形式，典雅壯觀。
江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)樓內有不同音階的(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)7個(ge)(ge)，大(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)為(wei)(wei)美國蔡司脫斯鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)表公(gong)司制(zhi)造，大(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)運(yun)到(dao)武漢(han)后，由漢(han)口亨(heng)達利鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)表行安裝。大(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)除報時外，每一(yi)刻鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)還(huan)(huan)奏(zou)鳴一(yi)遍英國《威斯敏斯特教堂》的(de)(de)(de)主旋律(lv)。鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)聲(sheng)洪亮，傳播力(li)(li)和(he)(he)穿透力(li)(li)極強，即使在(zai)(zai)市面(mian)喧嚷時，方圓數(shu)里內亦(yi)可(ke)(ke)聞聽(ting)(ting)；如果在(zai)(zai)夜深人(ren)(ren)(ren)靜時，三(san)(san)(san)(san)鎮(zhen)均(jun)可(ke)(ke)聽(ting)(ting)到(dao)它(ta)的(de)(de)(de)音樂和(he)(he)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)聲(sheng)。在(zai)(zai)大(da)(da)樓正面(mian)主樓頂端(duan)鑲(xiang)嵌著“江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)”三(san)(san)(san)(san)個(ge)(ge)大(da)(da)字(zi)(zi)，鐵畫銀鉤，氣勢恢宏，頗為(wei)(wei)壯觀。使大(da)(da)樓為(wei)(wei)此(ci)增輝。這三(san)(san)(san)(san)個(ge)(ge)字(zi)(zi)出(chu)自曾任湖北(bei)省教育廳廳長、著名(ming)書法家(jia)宗彝之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)手。宗彝初習(xi)顏柳，后摹魏碑(bei)，善寫斗方，筆力(li)(li)遒勁，人(ren)(ren)(ren)皆視其(qi)作(zuo)品(pin)為(wei)(wei)墨寶(bao)。為(wei)(wei)寫江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)三(san)(san)(san)(san)個(ge)(ge)字(zi)(zi)，他數(shu)易其(qi)稿，因為(wei)(wei)那時還(huan)(huan)是繁(fan)體字(zi)(zi)，“江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)”字(zi)(zi)的(de)(de)(de)筆劃(hua)少，“漢(han)、關(guan)”兩字(zi)(zi)筆劃(hua)多，三(san)(san)(san)(san)個(ge)(ge)字(zi)(zi)難(nan)以協調。但宗彝沒有被此(ci)難(nan)住，最后他一(yi)揮而就，為(wei)(wei)世人(ren)(ren)(ren)留(liu)下了千古之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)作(zuo)。為(wei)(wei)此(ci)三(san)(san)(san)(san)字(zi)(zi)，江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)贈他潤筆之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)資紋銀500兩。足見(jian)其(qi)字(zi)(zi)的(de)(de)(de)份(fen)量(liang)與珍貴。江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)的(de)(de)(de)選(xuan)址可(ke)(ke)稱神來之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)筆。它(ta)直面(mian)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)水，立于(yu)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)路與沿江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)大(da)(da)道的(de)(de)(de)交匯(hui)處，鎮(zhen)守(shou)于(yu)老租界區之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)南端(duan)，可(ke)(ke)北(bei)視整個(ge)(ge)租界區及其(qi)所臨江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)面(mian)，南望漢(han)水的(de)(de)(de)入江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)口，甚至可(ke)(ke)以觀察到(dao)長江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)和(he)(he)漢(han)水航(hang)運(yun)動靜，可(ke)(ke)謂扼三(san)(san)(san)(san)鎮(zhen)兩江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)航(hang)道之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)咽喉(hou)。無論北(bei)來巨輪還(huan)(huan)是東進舟楫，都可(ke)(ke)在(zai)(zai)距武漢(han)尚遠時，最先看(kan)到(dao)它(ta)的(de)(de)(de)身影，聽(ting)(ting)到(dao)它(ta)的(de)(de)(de)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)聲(sheng)。江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)大(da)(da)樓作(zuo)為(wei)(wei)一(yi)個(ge)(ge)時代(dai)的(de)(de)(de)代(dai)表，聆聽(ting)(ting)過中國人(ren)(ren)(ren)民(min)的(de)(de)(de)悲泣與歡歌，見(jian)證著中華(hua)民(min)族(zu)的(de)(de)(de)興衰和(he)(he)榮辱。
江(jiang)漢關(guan)大(da)樓(lou)著(zhu)名(ming)的(de)是它高聳的(de)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)和大(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。大(da)樓(lou)安裝大(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)起(qi)步(bu)于19世紀下半葉，1893年竣(jun)工的(de)教堂(tang)式江(jiang)漢關(guan)大(da)樓(lou)上安裝了一座海關(guan)大(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。
為何安裝(zhuang)大(da)(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)有(you)(you)幾(ji)種說法(fa)，其一(yi)，1893年建(jian)造(zao)的海關(guan)(guan)(guan)大(da)(da)(da)(da)樓是當(dang)時外灘較高建(jian)筑物(wu)，由吳淞口(kou)駛入(ru)黃浦江(jiang)(jiang)外國輪船(chuan)(chuan)，在很遠處(chu)就(jiu)看到了海關(guan)(guan)(guan)大(da)(da)(da)(da)樓并(bing)聽到了鐘(zhong)聲(sheng)，很快將進港靠泊辦理船(chuan)(chuan)舶入(ru)境海關(guan)(guan)(guan)手(shou)續和(he)(he)裝(zhuang)卸進出(chu)口(kou)貨物(wu)，起到航標和(he)(he)燈塔作(zuo)用(yong)；其二(er)，高聳的江(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)(guan)(guan)大(da)(da)(da)(da)樓和(he)(he)婉轉的鐘(zhong)聲(sheng)給(gei)城市帶(dai)來(lai)生活立體感(gan)節奏和(he)(he)旅(lv)游景致的點綴；其三(san)，江(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)關(guan)(guan)(guan)大(da)(da)(da)(da)樓安裝(zhuang)大(da)(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)有(you)(you)其歷史(shi)原(yuan)因和(he)(he)海關(guan)(guan)(guan)自(zi)身(shen)業務工作(zuo)的需(xu)要。
從19世紀(ji)開(kai)始(shi)，海(hai)(hai)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)學習西方國家海(hai)(hai)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)以天數(shu)計算(suan)船舶(bo)(bo)噸稅(shui)辦法，超過(guo)夜里12點鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)就另(ling)加1天，由于進出口(kou)船舶(bo)(bo)來(lai)自世界各地，船舶(bo)(bo)自備時(shi)(shi)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)誤差很大(da)(da)(da)，經常引起(qi)爭議(yi)，為(wei)(wei)(wei)了統一(yi)(yi)(yi)報(bao)時(shi)(shi)，皆(jie)以海(hai)(hai)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)敲點為(wei)(wei)(wei)準(zhun)，1893年(nian)建(jian)(jian)(jian)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)江漢(han)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)大(da)(da)(da)樓(lou)已安(an)(an)裝(zhuang)大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，此后(hou)建(jian)(jian)(jian)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)粵海(hai)(hai)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)、潮海(hai)(hai)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)等大(da)(da)(da)樓(lou)也(ye)都安(an)(an)裝(zhuang)大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。1925年(nian)武漢(han)投資430萬兩(liang)白銀(yin)(yin)建(jian)(jian)(jian)造新大(da)(da)(da)樓(lou)時(shi)(shi)，稅(shui)務(wu)司和海(hai)(hai)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)監督決心(xin)(xin)(xin)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)造一(yi)(yi)(yi)只(zhi)全國較大(da)(da)(da)、世界聞名的(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。兩(liang)年(nian)后(hou)，大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)與大(da)(da)(da)樓(lou)同(tong)(tong)(tong)時(shi)(shi)建(jian)(jian)(jian)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。海(hai)(hai)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)由英國Whitchurch公(gong)司設計制(zhi)(zhi)造，總(zong)造價為(wei)(wei)(wei)5000多(duo)(duo)兩(liang)白銀(yin)(yin)，1927年(nian)制(zhi)(zhi)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)，同(tong)(tong)(tong)年(nian)8月從倫敦運到(dao)上(shang)海(hai)(hai)，原(yuan)包裝(zhuang)木箱連同(tong)(tong)(tong)大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)共(gong)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)6.25噸，把(ba)6噸多(duo)(duo)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)(da)木箱吊到(dao)72米多(duo)(duo)高(gao)的(de)(de)(de)(de)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)時(shi)(shi)，外(wai)(wai)(wai)灘(tan)馬路行(xing)人(ren)都停步觀(guan)望之吊裝(zhuang)奇(qi)景。1928年(nian)元旦敲響(xiang)(xiang)第一(yi)(yi)(yi)聲，逢刻“奏威斯敏斯特樂曲”。這(zhe)座大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)，亞(ya)洲名列第一(yi)(yi)(yi)，世界名列第三(san)。海(hai)(hai)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)大(da)(da)(da)樓(lou)頂部為(wei)(wei)(wei)逐級(ji)收攏的(de)(de)(de)(de)四(si)面(mian)(mian)(mian)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)，每(mei)(mei)日(ri)準(zhun)確、悠揚的(de)(de)(de)(de)報(bao)時(shi)(shi)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)聲使之與南(nan)側原(yuan)匯豐銀(yin)(yin)行(xing)大(da)(da)(da)樓(lou)一(yi)(yi)(yi)起(qi)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)(wei)(wei)當時(shi)(shi)年(nian)代外(wai)(wai)(wai)灘(tan)建(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)群(qun)的(de)(de)(de)(de)核心(xin)(xin)(xin)建(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)之一(yi)(yi)(yi)。鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)旗(qi)桿位置北緯31°14’20.38，東經121°29’0.02，成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)(wei)(wei)20世紀(ji)20年(nian)代上(shang)海(hai)(hai)地理位置的(de)(de)(de)(de)標(biao)志點，同(tong)(tong)(tong)時(shi)(shi)也(ye)是外(wai)(wai)(wai)灘(tan)建(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)中(zhong)較高(gao)、氣派(pai)較大(da)(da)(da)者。鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)樓(lou)分(fen)(fen)機(ji)芯(xin)(xin)房(fang)、銅(tong)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)座、旗(qi)桿臺(tai)三(san)層。機(ji)芯(xin)(xin)房(fang)是大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)心(xin)(xin)(xin)臟部分(fen)(fen)，成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百上(shang)千個(ge)(ge)齒(chi)輪互相咬合，直徑超過(guo)12mm的(de)(de)(de)(de)鋼絲(si)繩代替了普通鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)表中(zhong)精細的(de)(de)(de)(de)鋼絲(si)。鋼絲(si)繩下面(mian)(mian)(mian)連著三(san)個(ge)(ge)巨大(da)(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)擺，一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)敲正點，一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)負(fu)(fu)責走時(shi)(shi)，另(ling)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)負(fu)(fu)責報(bao)刻，最大(da)(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)擺重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)達1噸多(duo)(duo)。四(si)周四(si)個(ge)(ge)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)面(mian)(mian)(mian)，每(mei)(mei)面(mian)(mian)(mian)都用100多(duo)(duo)塊(kuai)0.3-1米的(de)(de)(de)(de)乳白色鋼化玻(bo)璃(li)(li)(li)拼(pin)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。根據資料顯示，這(zhe)種玻(bo)璃(li)(li)(li)是特制(zhi)(zhi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)，當時(shi)(shi)只(zhi)有(you)德國等極少數(shu)國家才能(neng)研制(zhi)(zhi)（現(xian)今中(zhong)國也(ye)能(neng)制(zhi)(zhi)造這(zhe)種玻(bo)璃(li)(li)(li)了）。每(mei)(mei)個(ge)(ge)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)面(mian)(mian)(mian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)直徑為(wei)(wei)(wei)5.4米，裝(zhuang)有(you)自動開(kai)關(guan)(guan)(guan)(guan)的(de)(de)(de)(de)電燈72盞(zhan)，晚上(shang)通體(ti)明亮，碩大(da)(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)數(shu)字在幾里外(wai)(wai)(wai)也(ye)清晰可見。鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)面(mian)(mian)(mian)上(shang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)紫銅(tong)分(fen)(fen)針長(chang)(chang)3.17米，重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)49公(gong)斤；紫銅(tong)時(shi)(shi)針長(chang)(chang)2.3米，重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)37.5公(gong)斤。鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)發條用0.01米粗的(de)(de)(de)(de)鋼絲(si)組絞，長(chang)(chang)156米。每(mei)(mei)周開(kai)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)上(shang)發條3次，每(mei)(mei)次要4人(ren)操作1小時(shi)(shi)左(zuo)右(you)才能(neng)完成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)（現(xian)已改為(wei)(wei)(wei)電動）。機(ji)器房(fang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)樓(lou)上(shang)有(you)1口(kou)大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)、4口(kou)小鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，每(mei)(mei)隔15分(fen)(fen)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，4口(kou)小鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)就響(xiang)(xiang)起(qi)叮咚叮鐺之聲，每(mei)(mei)隔1小時(shi)(shi)，1個(ge)(ge)135公(gong)斤重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)(da)銅(tong)錘便(bian)敲擊幾噸的(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)(da)鐘(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，發出雄壯的(de)(de)(de)(de)聲響(xiang)(xiang)，持續10秒左(zuo)右(you)。
1928年1月1日凌晨1點(dian)，海關(guan)大鐘(zhong)敲響了(le)第(di)一(yi)聲，一(yi)直以英(ying)國皇家名曲(qu)《威(wei)斯(si)(si)(si)(si)敏斯(si)(si)(si)(si)特教(jiao)堂(tang)》報(bao)刻(ke)。武漢市(shi)(shi)政府決(jue)定(ding)必須進行(xing)“改(gai)裝”。于是鐘(zhong)面(mian)的(de)中心部(bu)分從(cong)4只(zhi)(zhi)圓圈玻璃(li)圖案變成了(le)“金黃色的(de)向日葵”，報(bao)刻(ke)的(de)《威(wei)斯(si)(si)(si)(si)敏斯(si)(si)(si)(si)特教(jiao)堂(tang)》，改(gai)為電子打(da)點(dian)和奏(zou)樂(le)(le)，鐘(zhong)鈴端(duan)每邊置放(fang)(fang)12只(zhi)(zhi)擴音(yin)器，四(si)面(mian)共放(fang)(fang)48只(zhi)(zhi)擴音(yin)器，按時向全市(shi)(shi)播放(fang)(fang)。1986年10月英(ying)國女(nv)皇伊麗沙白二世來訪(fang)，經批(pi)準，決(jue)定(ding)將海關(guan)鐘(zhong)樓恢復原狀，又(you)從(cong)國外(wai)進口(kou)了(le)相同的(de)玻璃(li)。滬東造船廠特地趕制了(le)大鐘(zhong)里面(mian)的(de)鐵框架，專(zhuan)供拼裝一(yi)塊(kuai)塊(kuai)玻璃(li)之用，鐘(zhong)面(mian)恢復原狀，機械打(da)點(dian)也恢復，，海關(guan)鐘(zhong)樓又(you)響起了(le)《威(wei)斯(si)(si)(si)(si)敏斯(si)(si)(si)(si)特教(jiao)堂(tang)》樂(le)(le)曲(qu)。
最早的(de)(de)(de)江(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)(han)關(guan)大樓(lou)(lou)是(shi)(shi)1845年(nian)(nian)(nian)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)造(zao)的(de)(de)(de)，被稱為(wei)(wei)“新(xin)關(guan)”、“北(bei)關(guan)”、“新(xin)北(bei)關(guan)”，也稱“江(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)(han)北(bei)關(guan)”。江(jiang)(jiang)海北(bei)關(guan)是(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)幢典型的(de)(de)(de)中國(guo)官衙(ya)式(shi)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)，建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)平面(mian)(mian)呈凹字(zi)形，三進樓(lou)(lou)房，正檐翹角，歇山頂，屋面(mian)(mian)上(shang)有一(yi)(yi)座小閣。大門為(wei)(wei)牌樓(lou)(lou)式(shi)，門楣上(shang)書“江(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)(han)北(bei)關(guan)”4個字(zi)。據說(shuo)，該字(zi)出于(yu)兩(liang)江(jiang)(jiang)總督怡良之手筆。到19世紀(ji)80一(yi)(yi)90年(nian)(nian)(nian)代，外(wai)灘的(de)(de)(de)原有建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)大多被翻建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)和重建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)。“江(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)(han)北(bei)關(guan)”與四周的(de)(de)(de)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)相比，顯得寒(han)酸。1891年(nian)(nian)(nian)，江(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)(han)關(guan)大樓(lou)(lou)已由(you)英國(guo)人赫德(de)掌權，所以請英國(guo)工程師設計，由(you)浦東(dong)人楊斯盛的(de)(de)(de)營造(zao)廠承建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)，于(yu)1893年(nian)(nian)(nian)上(shang)海開埠50周年(nian)(nian)(nian)時落成(cheng)(cheng)。新(xin)江(jiang)(jiang)海北(bei)關(guan)沿(yan)用了(le)舊址的(de)(de)(de)基(ji)礎，平面(mian)(mian)與舊關(guan)基(ji)本相近，為(wei)(wei)凹字(zi)形，磚木(mu)結構，中間有6層(ceng)(ceng)高(gao)的(de)(de)(de)方(fang)形鐘樓(lou)(lou)，鐘樓(lou)(lou)南北(bei)兩(liang)邊各有假4層(ceng)(ceng)樓(lou)(lou)房相對(dui)，大門兩(liang)旁圍墻上(shang)加鐵欄桿。1925年(nian)(nian)(nian)，新(xin)的(de)(de)(de)江(jiang)(jiang)漢(han)(han)北(bei)關(guan)再(zai)一(yi)(yi)次重建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)，請匯(hui)豐銀行(xing)的(de)(de)(de)設計者威爾(er)遜設計，是(shi)(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)12月(yue)奠(dian)基(ji)，至1927年(nian)(nian)(nian)12月(yue)9日落成(cheng)(cheng)。大樓(lou)(lou)占地面(mian)(mian)積(ji)(ji)為(wei)(wei)5722平方(fang)米(mi)(mi)，建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)面(mian)(mian)積(ji)(ji)為(wei)(wei)32680平方(fang)米(mi)(mi)。大樓(lou)(lou)分(fen)東(dong)、西兩(liang)部分(fen)，東(dong)部面(mian)(mian)對(dui)長江(jiang)(jiang)，高(gao)11層(ceng)(ceng)，主(zhu)體建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)為(wei)(wei)8層(ceng)(ceng)，上(shang)面(mian)(mian)有3層(ceng)(ceng)高(gao)的(de)(de)(de)四面(mian)(mian)鐘樓(lou)(lou)；西部直達四川中路(lu)，高(gao)5層(ceng)(ceng)，鋼框(kuang)架結構，底層(ceng)(ceng)外(wai)墻用花崗石寬縫砌就，其他(ta)各層(ceng)(ceng)用金山石貼面(mian)(mian)。大門的(de)(de)(de)設計為(wei)(wei)古希臘(la)神廟形式(shi)，4根經典的(de)(de)(de)希臘(la)多立(li)克(ke)柱支撐起(qi)龐大的(de)(de)(de)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)，柱子上(shang)端為(wei)(wei)方(fang)形，雕刻(ke)花紋，給人以神圣不可侵犯的(de)(de)(de)感(gan)覺。
給生活一把琴 
