Jiuquan Gulou, Historical tower in Dongnanjie Subdistrict, China.
Jiuquan Gulou is a multi-story tower in Dongnanjie featuring traditional Chinese design with wooden brackets and ornamental roof edges. Inside sits the original drum mechanism that once regulated daily schedules and announced important messages to the town.
Built during the Ming Dynasty, this tower anchored Jiuquan's urban life as a timekeeping and administrative hub for centuries. Its functions remained vital to maintaining order and coordinating communal activities until modern times.
The tower served as the community's social anchor, with drum sounds calling people together for festivals, announcements, and collective decisions. This role made it a symbol of shared identity and local cohesion that residents recognized instantly.
The tower is easily accessible on foot and invites exploration across multiple levels via wooden stairs to different viewing points. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time for climbing, as the upper floors provide better perspectives of the surroundings.
Inside sits an original wooden drum that has continued to work through the centuries thanks to careful maintenance and repair. This rare survival of a functional historic instrument shows how traditional craftsmanship kept the mechanism alive.
Location: Dongnanjie Subdistrict
GPS coordinates: 39.74389,98.50972
Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:08
Mogao Caves
318.2 km
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
167.4 km
Jiayuguan
25.9 km
Yulin Caves
222.6 km
Western Thousand Buddha Caves
354.9 km
Matisi Grottoes
216.3 km
Stele of Sulaiman
318.2 km
Dafo Temple
190.3 km
Suoyang City
204.5 km
White Horse Pagoda, Dunhuang
332.3 km
Xuanquanzhi
277.3 km
Ta'er Temple
203.5 km
Dunhuang Mosque
330.9 km
Zhangye Gulou
190.1 km
July 1 Glacier
60.6 km
Badain Jaran Temple
335.1 km
Xiongguan District
23.1 km
Xilai Temple
190 km
Touming Mengke Glacier
60.6 km
Shuangta Reservoir
204.5 km
Wanshou Temple (Zhangye)
189.9 km
Zhangye Shanxi Huiguan
190.5 km
City wall of Zhangye
190.5 km
Former residence of Gao Meng
189.7 km
Gospel Hospital in Zhangye
189.3 km
Jinchuanxia Shuiku
342 km
Xiao Qaidam Hu
361.8 km
Great Buddha of Mogao Caves
318.2 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes