Roof collapses on the historic drum tower: panic among tourists!

Roof collapses on the historic drum tower: panic among tourists!

On May 19, a dramatic incident occurred in Fuyang when the eastern tiled roof of the Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower collapsed. According to a report by Vietnam.vn, the event was officially confirmed by the Phu Duong District Department of Culture and Tourism at 6:30 p.m. on May 20. Fortunately, there were no injuries in the incident. Videos circulating on social media show hundreds of bricks falling to the ground within seconds, creating a large cloud of dust that caused panic among tourists.

Local authorities responded immediately by enacting an emergency plan to evacuate residents and cordon off the area. A task force was set up to investigate the causes of the collapse. It is noteworthy that the Drum Tower, built in 1375 under the Ming Dynasty, was recognized as a cultural monument in 1989.

History and meaning of the drum tower

The Drum Tower in Fuyang is one of the largest of its kind in China and historically played a significant role in indicating the time of day as well as during ceremonial occasions. The upper part of the structure was destroyed in 1853 during the Qing Dynasty but was restored in 1995. The collapse of the roof mainly affected the upper structure; the base, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty, remains intact. However, there had been damage to the roof tiles and eaves since 2017, endangering the safety of the structure.

The incident happened just a year after the roof was repaired due to minor damage, raising concerns about the quality of maintenance. Some witnesses expressed concern about the safety of children who often play near the tower.

The Drum Tower in Xi'an

In addition to the Drum Tower in Fuyang, another important drum tower, the Drum Tower, can be found in Xi'an. According to the Travel China Guide, this tower is located northwest of the Bell Tower and was built in 1380 under Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty. The Drum Tower is famous for its architecture that combines Tang and Qing dynasty styles. This structure, which is 34 meters high and 52.6 meters long, contains 24 drums that represent the 24 Solar Terms, a traditional weather calendar to support agriculture.

Although the Drum Tower no longer serves as a timepiece, it still attracts many visitors. In 1996, a new drum, the largest in China, was installed on the tower. Tourists can visit the second floor of the tower to enjoy the magnificent views and an exhibition on drumming culture. There are also regular musical performances that offer an insight into ancient Chinese culture.

Getting to this landmark is easy, either by metro or various bus lines. Entrance fees are CNY 30 per person, and the tower has different opening hours seven days a week. Visitors under 1.2 meters or up to 6 years old receive free entry when accompanied by an adult.

Overall, the Fuyang incident shows the importance of careful maintenance of historical structures, while at the same time the importance and attractiveness of other drum towers, such as the one in Xi'an, cannot be neglected.