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The Ming Dynasty Zhongdu Drum Tower, built in the eighth year of the Hongwu reign (1375), is located on the east side of Fengyang City and serves as a key ancillary structure of the city. The tower consists of a base and a building. The tower stands 47.19 meters tall, with the base measuring 72 meters from north to south, 34.25 meters from east to west, and 15.8 meters high. When the building was first constructed, "with its triple-layered eaves and towering hundred-foot-high structure, it towered majestically, towering above the world, its structure grand and magnificent. From the top, one can see the vast expanse of the Yangtze River, the Huai River, and the lakes, while the mountains of Zhongdu appear shrouded in mist, looming above the clouds and water." Throughout the Ming Dynasty, the tower remained the tallest and most imposing structure in China.
Three doorways are located in the center of the platform, the middle one being slightly larger. Above it are four large regular script characters written by Zhu Yuanzhang himself: "Wanshi Genben." The Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower not only boasts a tall platform, but also boasts a "nine-and-five-bay" structure, meaning nine bays wide and five bays deep. This "nine-and-five-bay" structure was only used for important imperial buildings during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower adopted this design. This high standard is unprecedented in Chinese drum tower history.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour
Climbing the tower costs 30 yuan per person
Access time: 9:00~17:00
The Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower, located in Chuzhou, Anhui, has historical significance as it was built to serve as a symbol of the city’s ancient cultural heritage. The tower was once used for the important role of timekeeping and signaling to the citizens. It is an important landmark in the city, reflecting the architectural and cultural developments of the Ming Dynasty.
The Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower is located in the center of Chuzhou, Anhui. It can be reached by taxi, bus, or private car from anywhere in the city. If you are near the city center, walking is a viable option as it’s quite accessible from central locations.
The Drum Tower is open daily, typically from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking and sightseeing. It’s also less crowded on weekdays compared to weekends and holidays.
The entrance fee for the Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower is modest, usually under 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the site directly upon arrival. Currently, there is no online ticketing system, so visitors must buy tickets offline.
Advance booking is generally not required unless visiting during peak tourist seasons or public holidays. However, it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid long lines, particularly during weekends and national holidays.
It typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower and its surroundings. This allows enough time to visit the tower, enjoy the views, and explore the area nearby.
Guided tours are available at the tower, typically in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available for rent, offering a self-guided experience with information in Chinese and possibly English during peak tourist seasons.
Start your visit by exploring the lower levels of the tower to admire the architectural features and historical exhibitions. Afterward, head to the top for the best views of Chuzhou. Allow some time to walk around the area surrounding the tower and enjoy the nearby parks and streets.
Night visits are not typically available. However, the tower is illuminated at night, offering a different perspective of the structure. Special events or cultural performances may occasionally be held during peak seasons, so check local schedules if interested.
The tower can get crowded on weekends and during national holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.
Basic facilities such as public toilets and rest areas are available near the tower. There are no large restaurants, but you can find small food stalls or vendors selling snacks. There are also souvenir shops near the entrance for visitors to purchase mementos.
The tower is accessible for elderly visitors and children, although there are stairs leading to the top that might be challenging for those with mobility issues. Wheelchair access may be limited, especially at higher levels of the tower.
Cash is commonly accepted at the entrance and for small purchases, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely accepted. Credit cards are generally not accepted at the smaller vendors inside the area.
There are small local eateries near the tower that serve traditional Anhui cuisine, including noodle dishes, dumplings, and stir-fries. For more options, head towards the city center for a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian dishes are available in local restaurants around the area, with options like tofu and vegetable stir-fries. Halal food options may be limited, and it’s best to inquire directly at the restaurants.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the Drum Tower, ranging from budget to mid-range options. More luxurious accommodations are available in the city center of Chuzhou, a short taxi ride away.
Souvenir shops near the Drum Tower sell traditional Anhui crafts, such as tea sets, pottery, and local snacks. Small replicas of the tower are also available as keepsakes.
Taxis or local buses are the best options for continuing your trip after visiting the tower. If you're heading to another nearby city, Chuzhou’s railway station offers train services to major locations within Anhui and beyond.
