Drum Tower of Xi'an, Two-story drum tower in Muslim District, Xi'an, China.
The Drum Tower of Xi'an is a two-story structure with a rectangular base located in the Muslim District. The ground level spans about 52.6 by 38 meters and supports a 34-meter-tall wooden frame topped with a hip-style roof.
The tower was built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. It underwent significant repairs twice afterward, once in 1699 and again in 1740 during the Qing period.
The twenty-four drums positioned on the north and south sides take their name from the solar terms that governed traditional Chinese farming seasons. They show how builders connected the rhythms of nature to the structure itself.
A visit is most enjoyable in early morning or late afternoon when crowds are smaller. The building sits centrally and is easily reached on foot, especially if you are coming from the nearby Bell Tower.
Inside sits a drum from 1996 standing 1.8 meters tall with a diameter of 2.83 meters, recognized as the country's largest. This instrument is so large that it dominates the space and demonstrates the craftsmanship of that era.
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