Gutzlaff Signal Tower, Signal tower in Huangpu District, China
Gutzlaff Signal Tower is a red-brick striped building in Art Deco style at the southern end of the Bund. The structure rises about 37 meters (120 feet) tall and once served as a reference point for ships on the Huangpu River.
Built in 1907 by the Shanghai Reinforced Concrete Company, it broadcast weather warnings to ships until decommissioned in 1956. The tower reflects Shanghai's past as a major port serving international vessels.
The name refers to Karl Gützlaff, a German missionary who worked as an interpreter in Shanghai. Visitors see a building that reminds them of the era when foreign powers shaped the city.
The ground floor holds a museum displaying the Bund's history through photos and objects. The first floor has a cafe where you can sit and observe the river views and surrounding architecture.
In 1993, the entire structure was relocated about 22 meters to make room for modern urban development. This unusual rescue operation shows how important the Bund's buildings are to Shanghai's identity.
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