Was there a China Watch column before the founding of New China?

Huabiao column is a traditional architectural form of Han nationality. According to legend, Hua Biao is a totem symbol in the tribal times. In ancient times, it was a large stone pillar set in front of palaces, tombs and other buildings for decoration. The column body is carved with various patterns such as dragons and phoenixes, and the upper part is horizontally inserted with carved stone slabs.

Before the founding of New China, there were obviously two symmetrical huabiao columns beside the Jinshui Bridge in front of Tiananmen Square, but they were not in their present positions. In the early years after the birth of the Republic of China, Tiananmen Square held a grand parade and other mass activities during the National Day. In order to facilitate the parade and transportation, Huabiao and Shishi moved 6 meters north on August 1950. It is not too difficult to move the 20,000 kg watch, but considering that the exquisite carving on the watch post will not be damaged in the slightest, we finally decided to move the watch to this place by traditional hoisting methods such as Artemisia stem, hemp rope and hanging chain.