Historically in China, those employed on night-watch duties announced the start of each new hour, and issued warnings to citizens, reminding them to take precautions against fire and theft.

Historically in China, those employed on night-watch duties announced the start of each new hour, and issued warnings to citizens, reminding them to take precautions against fire and theft.

Historically in China, those employed on night-watch duties announced the start of each new hour, and issued warnings to citizens, reminding them to take precautions against fire and theft.

Night-watch duty existed in Macao. The service later evolved into a night-watch patrol system, with the characteristics of a civil defence force and with a clear management structure. In the modern era, this social service gradually declined in importance, then vanished.

Night-watch duty existed in Macao. The service later evolved into a night-watch patrol system, with the characteristics of a civil defence force and with a clear management structure. In the modern era, this social service gradually declined in importance, then vanished.

Night-watch duty existed in Macao. The service later evolved into a night-watch patrol system, with the characteristics of a civil defence force and with a clear management structure. In the modern era, this social service gradually declined in importance, then vanished.

The Patane Night Watch House, officially opened to the public as a museum on 18 December 2015, aims to preserve knowledge of folk traditions and local history.

The Patane Night Watch House, officially opened to the public as a museum on 18 December 2015, aims to preserve knowledge of folk traditions and local history.

The Patane Night Watch House seeks to promote knowledge of local history and the values of mutual assistance among local communities.

The Patane Night Watch House seeks to promote knowledge of local history and the values of mutual assistance among local communities.