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Visitors to Jixian Drum Tower can explore the ancient tower and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. The tower is a historical landmark, perfect for photography and learning about the region's history. There are also exhibitions and artifacts to view, providing insights into the cultural heritage of Tianjin.
The Jixian Drum Tower is an ancient structure embodying the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty. Construction began in 1371, the fourth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. Located on Wenchang Road in Jizhou District, Tianjin, the tower boasts a plaque on its south facade, inscribed in bold, bold regular script: "Ancient Yuyang." This plaque was inscribed by Zhang Chaozong, the Jizhou prefect during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. On the reverse, a similarly written inscription reads "The Key to the Eastern Capital," signed by Hua Jun, the prefect during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty.
The Jixian Drum Tower stands tall on a platform in the heart of the city. Three bays wide from east to west and two bays deep from north to south, it is surrounded by ten massive red-lacquered columns, a corridor with brackets, and a nine-ridged hip roof with green tiles. It reflects the wisdom and architectural prowess of the ancient Han working people. It is currently a protected cultural relic of Tianjin, a protected cultural relic of Jixian County, and a key protected historical building.
Warm temperate semi-humid monsoon continental climate; Jixian Drum Tower is a landmark building in Jizhou District and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
Free and open
Open all day
Jixian Drum Tower was built in the Ming Dynasty and served as a city landmark for timekeeping. The drum tower played a central role in local life, signaling time for the community. It symbolizes the city’s cultural and historical significance as a center of administration and commerce in ancient Tianjin.
Jixian Drum Tower is located in the city center of Jixian, Tianjin. It is easily accessible by metro (take Line 2 to Jixian Station), buses, or taxis. Walking from nearby areas is also an option for those exploring the city.
The Drum Tower is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon, when the site is less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
The entrance fee is typically around 20 CNY for adults. Tickets can be bought on-site or online through the official website or local ticketing platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it’s recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays to avoid long queues. Booking 1-2 days ahead is usually sufficient.
A visit typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the tower, including the exhibitions and the panoramic views from the top.
The main highlights are the tower’s architecture, the bell and drum, and the panoramic view of the city from the top. The exhibition area on the lower floors also features historical artifacts related to Tianjin’s culture and history.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides are also available in Chinese, and in some cases, English guides can be arranged upon request.
The best viewpoint is from the top of the tower, where visitors can capture panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. The exterior of the tower, with its intricate details and traditional architecture, also makes for great photos.
Start by exploring the lower floors where exhibitions and historical displays are located. Then, head to the top of the tower for views and photos. End with a visit to the courtyard outside the tower to admire its architecture.
Night visits and light shows are not available. However, the tower is beautifully lit at night, providing a nice photo opportunity from the outside.
The tower can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, particularly early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The site offers basic facilities such as clean toilets and water stations. There are no large restaurants or food courts inside, but there are small kiosks and shops offering souvenirs and snacks.
The Drum Tower is accessible for elderly visitors and children, though some areas may involve stairs, which could be challenging for disabled visitors. There are ramps and basic facilities available for easier access.
Both cash and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s best to have cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are no large restaurants inside the Drum Tower, but several local eateries and cafes nearby offer traditional Chinese dishes and snacks. Popular options include local dumplings and noodle shops.
Some nearby restaurants offer vegetarian options, but vegan and halal food may be more limited. It's advisable to ask at local eateries for specific dietary needs.
Several hotels are located near the Jixian Drum Tower, including the Tianjin Marriott Hotel, as well as budget options near the city center and metro stations.
Nearby attractions include the Ancient Culture Street, Tianjin Eye, and the Tianjin Museum. These can be easily combined for a full day of sightseeing.
There are small souvenir shops around the Drum Tower selling local handicrafts, traditional Chinese art, and small memorabilia like postcards and keychains.
After visiting the Drum Tower, taxis, buses, and the metro are the best ways to continue your trip around Tianjin. The metro system is affordable and connects well to other major attractions in the city.
