Datong Drum Tower, Historical tower in Datong, China.
The Datong Drum Tower is a stone-and-wood structure with three stories built on a solid base. The construction houses an enormous drum inside that once resounded throughout the city.
The structure was built in 1374 during the Ming Dynasty and served the military as an observation post. Drum signals allowed the population to track time and receive important announcements.
The two inscriptions 'First Tower of Yanmen' and 'Audible in All Directions' reflect how central this structure was to ancient Chinese city life. The drum inside served as a communication tool for the entire community.
Access to the upper levels involves climbing steep staircases that require good fitness. The viewpoint from above offers wide views of the surrounding city walls and landscape.
Inside the structure is a museum with regional artifacts from different periods. A particularly notable piece is a stone lantern carved to represent Mount Wutai from the year 720.
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