The Haikou Clock Tower, one of the most important landmarks and symbolic buildings in Haikou, is planning to fully open to the public, according to an announcement from authorities on Nov 12.
Originally built around 1929 by then-trade union leader Zhou Chengmei, the clock tower was set up as a unified standard timing facility in Haikou.
The clock tower, covering 16 square meters, has been a historical witness to the development of Haikou. Its walls are made of red brick with white lime pointing. The big clock is set on the fifth floor and tells time every 30 minutes. Currently, only the first floor is open to the public.
The Haikou Clock Tower in the 1930s. [Photo/Hainan Daily]
"We are considering renovating the clock tower to the shape of its original state in 1929, which will help restore its history to visitors through a more straightforward experience," said Chen Honghui, an official from the management office for the site.
The clock tower has a total of six floors and each floor is only 12 square meters. The stairs are only 0.6 meter wide, which means that only one person can pass at a time. In addition, the stairs leading to the roof form a 70-degree slope and it is impossible to accommodate two people or more to go up and down, added Chen.
From a safety perspective, the specific way to open the clock tower to visitors is still under discussion, according to Chen.
A current photo of Haikou Clock Tower. [Photo/Hainan Daily]
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