The Ningbo Drum Tower (宁波鼓楼) stands as an iconic symbol of the city’s historical significance, marking the establishment of Ningbo as a formal prefectural capital and urban center. Dating back to the first year of the Tang Dynasty’s Changqing era (821 AD), this architectural marvel boasts over 1100 years of history and holds a distinguished position as one of Ningbo’s few remaining ancient city tower sites, enjoying national-level protection as a key cultural relic. Originally serving as a timekeeping beacon with its sundial and drum, the Drum Tower played a pivotal role in the city’s daily life, sounding the hours and serving as a lookout post during times of war, tasked with defending the city and warding off invaders.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Ningbo Drum Tower
- Vlog about Ningbo Drum Tower
- Attractions near Ningbo Drum Tower
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0574-87171559 0086-0574-87171561 |
Location and Transportation
Located on the northern side of Zhenming Road at the intersection with Zhongshan West Road in the Haishu District of Ningbo City, the Ningbo Drum Tower occupies a prominent position in the heart of the urban landscape. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, 19, 50, 52, 58, 71, 238, 380, 515, 804, 809, or 820 and get off at Gulou Stop (鼓楼站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Ningbo Drum Tower is Gulou (鼓楼) on line 1 and line 2. After getting out of the station from Exit F, you will see the building right in front of you.
Highlights of Ningbo Drum Tower
Unique Architectural Style
The architectural style of the Drum Tower is a blend of traditional Chinese fortress design and Roman-inspired bell tower elements, creating a unique fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics. Standing eight meters tall with a five-meter-wide gate, the lower portion of the tower is constructed of stone in the traditional Chinese architectural style. Above, the tower incorporates Romanesque features, adorned with flying eaves and winged corners, exuding a majestic and elegant presence. Covering an area of 292 square meters with a building area of 579 square meters, the Drum Tower captivates visitors with its grandeur and historic charm, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of ancient architecture.
Lively Atmosphere
Surrounding the Drum Tower, the streets are lined with shops designed in imitation of Ningbo’s traditional architectural style. Characterized by their pitched roofs with green tiles, horse-head walls, and intricate wooden decorations, these shops not only reflect the city’s traditional commercial streetscape but also exude a profound sense of historical and cultural heritage. In the evening, the area around the Drum Tower bustles with activity, offering an array of Ningbo’s specialty snacks such as oil pancakes. The scene is particularly enchanting when the landscape lights illuminate the tower, providing a picturesque backdrop for nighttime photography. Additionally, nearby attractions like Zhongshan Park and the former site of the Ningbo Chamber of Commerce add further historical value to the area.
Testment to History
In the 1980s, recognizing the importance of preserving this invaluable cultural relic, the Ningbo municipal government designated the Drum Tower as a protected heritage site and embarked on a series of conservation and restoration efforts. Today, the Drum Tower has evolved into a multifaceted complex, serving as a hub for historical and cultural exploration, tourism, and commercial activities. Within the tower, the Drum Tower Museum showcases a wealth of historical artifacts and archival materials, recounting the fascinating stories of Ningbo’s past to visitors from near and far.
