Bianjing Drum Tower, Historical drum tower in Dai County, China.
The Bianjing Drum Tower stands 39.3 meters tall with a stone base measuring 40 meters in length and 33 meters in width, featuring three stories of traditional Chinese wooden construction topped with a classic pagoda-style roof.
Originally constructed in 1374 during the Hongwu Emperor's reign and rebuilt in 1476 after fire damage, this Ming Dynasty tower has undergone multiple restorations including major repairs in 1957, 1976, and 1986.
The tower served as a central communication hub using drum signals to coordinate daily activities, announce emergencies, and mark time for the local community, embodying the traditional role of drum towers in Chinese urban planning.
Designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level in 2001, the tower operates as a museum with guided tours available year-round and nearby amenities including information centers.
The tower displays two significant plaques reading 'First Tower of Yanmen' and 'Audible in All Directions,' emphasizing its strategic position near the historically important Yanmen Pass defense corridor.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
