Guangdong Customs is the earliest customs established by the Chinese government. In 1685 (the 24th year of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty), the Qing government established Guangdong Customs in Guangzhou as an administrative agency to manage foreign trade. In the 10th year of Xianfeng (1860 AD), the Guangdong Customs and Taxation Department officially established an office at the current customs site.

The Guangdong Customs Building (commonly known as the Big Bell Tower) is located on Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou. It was originally built in 1860 and is a two-story simple building. In 1872, the building was remodeled due to termite damage. In 1899, it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt. On December 9, the first year of the Republic of China, there was another fire. The floors were seriously damaged and it was difficult to repair. In the third year of the Republic of China (AD 1914), the foundation stone of the Guangdong Customs Building project was laid at the current site, and it was completed in the fifth year of the Republic of China. The government rebuilt it in 1913 and was completed in the autumn of 1916.

The Guangdong Customs Building was designed by the British architect David Dick. It was built in a white ancient Roman style and became one of the representative works of modern Western neoclassical architecture. The main materials of this 31-meter-high building are all made of Imported from the United Kingdom, the tall stone steps, pillars, and flower-shaped porch are rigorous in composition and majestic. The most attractive thing is the 13-meter-high bell tower on the top floor. Therefore, the Guangdong Customs Building is also called the Grand Bell Tower in April 1925. The "American Construction Technology Competition" is on display.

The building faces north and has a construction area of ??4,421 square meters. It has a reinforced concrete structure, with a granite brick on the southeast facade and a four-story dome on top. The bell tower has two towers on each side and a large four-sided clock. There are 5 hanging bells of different sizes. It was made in Britain in 1915. The basic interior layout and structure of the original "Guangdong Customs" on the central arch door are well preserved. "" 3 words, changed to "Guangzhou Customs" 4 words.