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Bell Tower and Drum Tower

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The Drum Tower, also known as the Star Pivot Tower, was first built in the ninth year of the Zhiyuan era during the Yuan Dynasty (1349 AD) and rebuilt in the third year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1370 AD), with multiple renovations throughout the dynasties. After its construction, the Drum Tower served as the front gate of the administrative offices of Nantong’s prefectures and counties during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, symbolizing the ancient feudal authority of Nantong. The Bell Tower was advocated by China's renowned industrialist and educator Zhang Jian, designed by the famous architect Sun Zhixia, and built in 1914. It stands directly north of the Drum Tower, has six stories, and was the tallest building in Nantong at the time. The Bell Tower imitates Western classical architectural styles and features a large clock that reflects technological advancements, along with an apex made of new metal materials—both of which hold significant meaning in the history of modern Chinese architecture. The close connection between the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, two buildings with distinct Eastern and Western architectural forms, is a product of the specific historical period spanning the late Qing and early Republican eras. Such a symbolic architectural combination is rare nationwide. Together, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower mark a thousand years of Nantong’s urban development and serve as iconic structures representing “Nantong — China’s First Modern City.” In 2002, they were designated as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

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The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units.

The Drum Tower, also known as the Star Pivot Tower, was first built in the ninth year of the Zhiyuan era during the Yuan Dynasty (1349 AD) and rebuilt in the third year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1370 AD), with multiple renovations throughout the dynasties. After its construction, the Drum Tower served as the front gate of the administrative offices of Nantong’s prefectures and counties during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, symbolizing the ancient feudal authority of Nantong. The Bell Tower was advocated by China's renowned industrialist and educator Zhang Jian, designed by the famous architect Sun Zhixia, and built in 1914. It stands directly north of the Drum Tower, has six stories, and was the tallest building in Nantong at the time. The Bell Tower imitates Western classical architectural styles and features a large clock that reflects technological advancements, along with an apex made of new metal materials—both of which hold significant meaning in the history of modern Chinese architecture. The close connection between the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, two buildings with distinct Eastern and Western architectural forms, is a product of the specific historical period spanning the late Qing and early Republican eras. Such a symbolic architectural combination is rare nationwide. Together, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower mark a thousand years of Nantong’s urban development and serve as iconic structures representing “Nantong — China’s First Modern City.” In 2002, they were designated as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.