Drum Tower, Xi'an

The Drum Tower was initially built in 1380 during the reign of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhu Yuanzhang. Back then, the capital was the current Nanjing. But a review of history then seemingly implied that dynasties with Nanjing as capital were short-lasting. So Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was inclined to move the capital to Xi’an and ordered the construction of the Drum Tower in royal grade. However, it was not until 1391 that Zhu sent his son Zhu Biao, also the then crown prince to make an inspection tour to Xi’an. Unfortunately, in spring of 1392, Zhu Biao died of an illness and Zhu felt so sad that he put the capital moving aside.
 

Although Xi’an didn’t become the capital of the Ming Dynasty, the Drum Tower become a landmark of the city. 

Drum Tower Pictures

1. The roof of the Drum Tower is in the same royal style with that of the Tian’anmen Tower in Beijing city center, but 1 meter higher.

2. The Drum Tower is constructed with the mortise-and-tenon technique and not a single nail can be found throughout the entire building.

3. More than 20 years ago, people and vehicles could still travel through the doorway, but currently, to protect the building, the doorway is closed and just shortly opened during some quite crowded periods, such as peak hours in the Chinese New Year Holiday and the May Day Holiday, to alleviate traffic pressure.
 

When talking about the Drum Tower, its sister building, the Bell Tower about 200 meters (220 yards) to the southeast always also come to people’s mind. These two buildings were together used to tell the time in ancient times. Every dawn then, as the bell chimed, the city gates opened and people’s active and peaceful daily life started; while at sunset, the drum was sounded, and the city gates then closed, indicating the end of the day. Time flies with bell rings and drum sounds, and this two buildings have witnessed the flow of time for more than 640 years. In modern times, the Bell and Drum Towers are no longer time-tellers, but are popular among travelers around the world.

 

Various drums are exhibited on the first floor of the Drum Tower. Walking around, you will find a total of 24 drums with traditional Chinese characters arranged neatly on the north and south sides. They stand for the Twenty-four Solar Terms which is a kind of weather calendar created by the Chinese ancients in order to guide the agricultural production.

24 Solar Term Drums

Wentian Drum

 

On the east side of the Drum Tower, the famous Wentian Drum is displayed. Made from a whole sheet of cowhide in 1996, this drum, with a body diameter of about 3.4 meters (3.7 yards), was the largest cowhide drum at that time; a total of 1,996 studs plus 4 drum rings indicated the welcoming of 21st century. Heavily beaten by a drumstick, the Wentian Drum can make a loud sound spreading far away.
 

In the exhibition hall of this floor, more drums made of different materials and for different purposes are showed, allowing visitors to learn more about the drum culture and drum music.
 

On the second floor of the Drum Tower, precious antique furniture from the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) is on display. Tables, chairs, porcelains, and folding screens with gorgeous decorations and delicate carvings add a classic and luxurious atmosphere to this building. Looking up, bluish-green beams are painted with exquisite patterns, forming another impressive part of the Drum Tower.
 

Road around Drum Tower to Muslim Quarter

Standing on the Drum Tower and looking northward, you will find a bustling block called Muslim Quarter. Consisted of multiple streets, this quarter features delicious Xi’an food and also the Muslim culture.