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Yichun Drum Tower, also known as the Drum Tower, is the oldest existing local observatory in China. According to the "Yuanzhou Prefecture Chronicle," the Drum Tower was built in the second year of the Baoda Period of the Southern Tang Dynasty by Governor Liu Renzhan, and it is recorded as having "hallways, halls, pavilions, and watchtowers...a total of 600 rooms."
In the 12th year of Jiading in the Southern Song Dynasty (1219 AD), Teng Qiangshu, the governor of Yuanzhou, renovated the watchtower and made instruments such as uranium pots, clepsydra arrows, shadow meters, water seas, south compasses, watch chips, iron plates, etc. He also set up yin and yang people to take turns and wait chips to tell the time, and built it into an observatory that integrates time measurement, timekeeping, and time giving. The design and structure reflect the superb wisdom of the ancient working people.
The Yichun Drum Tower has undergone numerous renovations, preserving its unique charm to this day. Renovations were made during the Jiajing and Wanli reigns of the Ming Dynasty, bearing the inscription "Yingxi Tower." Renovations were made to the west side of the tower during the Kangxi and Qianlong reigns of the Qing Dynasty, with the new inscription "Yuhui." The final renovation took place during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty. Designated a key cultural relic under Jiangxi Provincial Protection in 1983, the provincial cultural department allocated funds for restoration in 1984. The tower was renovated again in 2005, as part of the renovation of the Drum Tower Pedestrian Street.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The Drum Tower is a high platform building with a curved arch that spans the north-south street. It is rectangular, east-west oriented, and features a hip roof with double eaves, glazed tiles, plain ridge tiles, and a raised-beam wooden structure. It has four columns and one room, five bays wide and three bays deep. It stands 12.8 meters high, 11.8 meters wide, and 23.8 meters long from north to south, covering an area of ​​approximately 780 square meters.
The arched arch spanning the street is 4.3 meters wide and 5.6 meters high. The east and west arches are inscribed with the characters "Gulou" and "Yuhui" in regular script. At the north and south ends of the building are observation platforms, 19.5 meters long and 7.6 meters wide. Upstairs are equipped with instruments such as a copper kettle, a Night Sky Pond, a Day Sky Pond, a flat kettle, a Wanshui kettle, a water-sea shadow watch, a south compass, a water-adding bucket, a watchtower, a clepsydra arrow, and iron drum horns. Yin and Yang students rotated to wait for the time.
Later, a bronze Xuanji, a celestial observation device developed by Yuan Tiangang, a famous Tang Dynasty alchemist, was recast. A 30-mu astronomical plaza was also built, where 15 ancient astronomical instruments were restored and recreated. These include Zhang Heng's "seismograph," which predicted earthquakes; a "armillary sphere," which observed the positions of celestial bodies; a "celestial globe," which demonstrated celestial motion; a "gnomon," which measured solar terms; a "sundial," which measured the time of day; a four-level copper clepsydra, a timekeeping tool; and a human chronometer, which measured time using a person's shadow.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
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Open all day
The Yichun Drum Tower is an important historical site in Yichun, Jiangxi. It was originally built during the Tang Dynasty to signal the time and was later rebuilt to preserve its cultural significance. The tower is a symbol of the city's rich heritage and serves as a key landmark for both locals and visitors.
The Yichun Drum Tower is located in the city center of Yichun. It can be reached easily by taxi, bus, or on foot if you are near the city center. Public transport options are readily available, and taxis are a convenient option for those traveling from other parts of the city.
The Drum Tower is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and there are fewer visitors.
The entrance fee is typically around 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance of the Drum Tower. Online ticketing may also be available through local ticketing platforms during peak seasons.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during busy tourist seasons or holidays. Booking a day or two ahead should be sufficient.
You can fully explore the Yichun Drum Tower in about 1 to 1.5 hours, including time to climb to the top and explore the historical exhibits inside.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available in multiple languages, including English, for a small fee.
The best viewpoint is from the top of the tower, where you can get a panoramic view of the city and nearby areas. The surrounding park also offers good angles for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Start by entering the tower and exploring the exhibits on the lower floors. Afterward, climb to the top for breathtaking views of Yichun. Take some time to relax in the park surrounding the tower before finishing your visit.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available, but the tower is illuminated at night, providing a beautiful sight. Special events may occasionally be held, so check ahead if you're visiting during a holiday or festival.
The Drum Tower can get crowded, especially on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, particularly in the morning.
The attraction is partially accessible for elderly and disabled visitors. There are stairs to the top, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues. However, the lower levels and surrounding park are accessible to all visitors.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used and accepted in the area.
There are several local restaurants and cafes nearby, offering traditional Jiangxi cuisine and snacks. Some options include small noodle shops and tea houses.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants, though vegan options may be limited. Halal food is less common, but can be found at some specialty restaurants in the city.
There are a number of hotels near the Drum Tower, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range options. The Yichun Hotel and other nearby guesthouses offer convenient stays for visitors.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the Drum Tower selling local crafts, postcards, and traditional Jiangxi items, such as pottery and silk products.
From the Drum Tower, taxis and buses are readily available to take you to other parts of Yichun or nearby attractions. You can also use rideshare apps for convenience.
