The Drum Tower is quite similar to the nearby Bell Tower, except for its rectangular shape. It was first built in 1380, and restored in 1669, 1739 and 1853. The brick base, on which the wooden structure is built, is 52.6 metres (172 feet) long, 38 metres (125 feet) wide and 7.7 metres (25 feet) high. A road goes straight through it, under a vaulted archway. The triple-roofed, two-storey wooden building is a further 25.3 metres (83 feet) high off its brick platform.

The second storey, which is surrounded by a parapet, is now splendidly restored like the Bell Tower, and is used as an antique shop and sometimes holds art exhibitions. It also houses a collection of a variety of drums in different shapes and sizes and made from different materials. There is an exhibition of Ming and Qing dynasty furniture on the third floor. A drum performance is given several times during the morning and the afternoon. The Drum Tower looks down on the irregular grey-tiled roofs of the Muslim quarter. It is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm November-March, and 8:00 am to 10:00 pm from April-November.

Tourist Advice

The Drum Tower is worth a visit. Located in the same pedestrian area as the Bell Tower, both are easily visited. Combine this with a visit to Muslim Street. All can be done in a morning or afternoon. The Bells are played at regular times as part of a fifteen minute show with people in costume playing bells and traditional Chinese instruments. Worth a look if they are playing while you are there. While the Drum and Bell towers are closed in the evening they are illuminated by lights. The pedestrian square surrounding them is a nice area to walk and people watch. In the warm weather the locals are out doing the same.