The Exhibition Hall of Former Custom in Mengzi City, Honghe

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Overview

The Exhibition Hall of Former Custom (蒙自海关旧址, Méngzì Hǎiguān Jiùzhǐ) is located in the southeastern corner of Nanhu (南湖, Nán Hú) in Mengzi City (蒙自市, Méngzì Shì), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州, Hónghé Hānízú Yízú Zìzhìzhōu), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). Covering an area of approximately 2,925 square meters, this site dates back from the Qing Dynasty (清朝, Qīng Cháo) to the Republic of China (民国, Mínguó) era.

The architectural layout of the former customs site is meticulously organized, radiating from the Customs Tax Office (海关税务司署, Hǎiguān Shuìwù Sīshǔ) at its center. It features a blend of European-style buildings with red tiles and yellow walls, alongside Chinese-style architecture characterized by ornate beams and flying eaves. Existing structures include the Mengzi Customs Tax Office, the French Consulate (法国领事府, Fǎguó Lǐngshì Fǔ), a garden, and the Goulas Commercial House (哥胪士洋行, Gēlúshì Yángháng), which are primarily French-style buildings. This site testifies to the complex history of Yunnan’s development and reflects the cultural exchange between China and the West.

In May 2006, the Exhibition Hall of Former Custom was announced as a key cultural heritage site by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Historical Background

In the 13th year of Guangxu (光绪, Guāngxù) in 1887, the first French consul, M. Léon de Montigny, arrived in Mengzi. He purchased approximately 5 acres of land outside the eastern gate of the city to build the French Consulate, which was completed in 1888. The Mengzi Customs and Tax Office began construction in the same year and was completed in 1889. By the 21st year of the Republic (1932), the consulate was moved to Kunming, ending its presence in Mengzi.

Over the years, the site has undergone various transformations, including being repurposed as classrooms for the Southwest Associated University (西南联合大学, Xīnán Liánhé Dàxué) during 1938-1939. In 1940, the site was shut down as the Japanese army occupied Vietnam, interrupting operations.

Architectural Layout

The site encompasses a total area of 2,925 square meters, with its architectural design radiating from the Customs Tax Office at the center. It exhibits a unique blend of European and Chinese architectural styles, illustrating the cultural interactions of the time. Key buildings include:

• Customs Tax Office (海关税务司署, Hǎiguān Shuìwù Sīshǔ): A palace-style wooden structure with an area of 323.4 square meters.
• French Consulate (法国领事府, Fǎguó Lǐngshì Fǔ): Comprising 10 main rooms and 6 side rooms, it spans over 500 square meters.
• French Prison (法国监狱, Fǎguó Jiānyù): Two single-story brick-and-wood buildings featuring European architectural styles.
• French Garden (法国花园, Fǎguó Huāyuán): A two-story rectangular building near the water, covering an area of 215.04 square meters.
• Goulas Commercial House (哥胪士洋行, Gēlúshì Yángháng): A two-story building occupying an area of approximately 1,800 square meters.

Cultural Significance

The Exhibition Hall of Former Custom stands as a testament to the turbulent history of modern Yunnan and symbolizes the cultural exchanges between East and West.

Preservation Efforts

In May 2006, the site was designated as a key cultural heritage site by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. In November 2018, it was selected as part of the third batch of 20th-century architectural heritage in China.

How to Get There

The Exhibition Hall of Former Custom is located in the southeastern corner of Nanhu in Mengzi City, Honghe Prefecture.

By Car:

From the Mengzi Municipal Government, the journey to the former customs site is approximately 8.6 kilometers and takes about 26 minutes.

Travel Tips

• Timing: Visiting during the morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the midday heat and crowds.
• Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and architecture of the site.
• Photography: The blend of architectural styles offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• Local Cuisine: Explore nearby local eateries to enjoy traditional Yunnanese dishes after your visit.

Honghe The Exhibition Hall of Former Custom in Mengzi City, travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, the best time to visit, how to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of The Exhibition Hall of Former Custom in Honghe (蒙自老海关陈列室).