The Drum Tower in Datong (大同鼓楼) is an architectural marvel with a rich history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Originally constructed between 1463 and 1464 during the reign of Emperor Tianshun, it has undergone several renovations, including significant restorations during the Qing Dynasty under the reigns of Emperor Shunzhi, Emperor Qianlong, and Emperor Xianfeng.
The Drum Tower is a quintessential example of a Ming Dynasty pavilion-style building, featuring a three-tiered, cross-eaved structure with a hip-and-gable roof. The building has a nearly square floor plan, measuring 17.85 meters in length from east to west, 14.55 meters in width from north to south, and standing approximately 20 meters tall. The base is constructed from blue stone, with four corners and cross-shaped gates allowing passage for vehicles and pedestrians. A wooden staircase on the northwest wall provides access to the second and third floors.
The architectural design is intricate and meticulous. The first and second levels feature corbel brackets with intricate designs, while the third level boasts single-eave, three-step corbel brackets. Each level has a central bay flanked by two smaller bays, and the second and third floors are surrounded by corridors with railings, providing panoramic views of the city from the top.
Historically, the top floor housed a large drum used to signal the time at night, with the sound resonating throughout the ancient city and nearby villages. The tower was paired with the Bell Tower, creating a harmonious auditory experience with morning bells and evening drums marking the beginning and end of daily activities in Datong. This rhythmic life pattern was integral to the city’s routine: morning bells signaled the opening of shops and the start of the day’s activities, while evening drums indicated the closing of shops and the quieting of the streets.
During the Ming Dynasty, Datong’s urban landscape was adorned with several towers, each serving both aesthetic and strategic purposes. Yongtai Street was home to the Drum Tower, Qingyuan Street to the Bell Tower, Wuding Street to the Kuixing Tower, and Heyang Street to the Taiping Tower. At the city’s center stood the Four Archway Tower. These structures not only enhanced the city’s visual appeal but also played crucial roles in the city’s defense system. In peacetime, the towers provided vantage points to oversee and control the city’s streets and alleys. In wartime, they served as natural barriers for the defending troops, allowing them to mount a final resistance if the enemy breached the city walls.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 18.00 |
Location and Transportation
The Drum Tower is located in the middle section of Yongtai Street in Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province. To get there, you can take bus 35 or 59 and get off at Drum Tower Stop (鼓楼站, Gulou Stop).