Haishu Tower (Ningbo Drum Tower)

Haishu Tower (Ningbo Drum Tower)

Haishu Tower (Ningbo Drum Tower) is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

The Drum Tower, also known as Haishu Tower, is located at the intersection of Zhongshan West Road and Park Road in Ningbo.

The foundation of Haishu Tower is the southern gate of the inner city built in the first year of the Changqing era of the Tang Dynasty (821 AD). It has gone through many ups and downs and been renamed several times. During the Five Dynasties period, it was called “Wanghai Army Gate (Tower)”; in the Song Dynasty, it was “Fengguo Army Gate (Tower).” In the Yuan Dynasty, an order was issued nationwide to dismantle city walls and towers, and the southern gate of the inner city—Haishu Tower—naturally could not escape destruction. In the first year of the Zhi Zheng era of the Yuan Dynasty (1321 AD), the city and tower were rebuilt and named “Mingyuan Tower,” but it was soon destroyed again. In the ninth year of the Xuande era of the Ming Dynasty (1434 AD), Prefect Huang Yongding rebuilt it. In the thirteenth year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1585 AD), the structure was on the verge of collapse, so Prefect Cai Guiyi rebuilt it, giving it a completely renewed appearance and renaming it “Haishu Tower.” Shen Yiguan wrote an inscription, and Dong Dasheng composed a literary piece. In the fifth year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1666 AD) and in subsequent years, it underwent multiple renovations. In the forty-seventh year of the Qianlong era (1782 AD), everything except the tax stele was destroyed. The current structure was rebuilt in the fifth year of the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (1855 AD).

Haishu Tower, also called “Qiao Tower” and commonly known as the “Drum Tower,” was equipped with a water clock and drum to mark the time. In the eighth year of the Qingli era of the Song Dynasty (1048 AD), Wang Anshi, the newly appointed magistrate of Yin County, climbed the tower several times and specially composed the “Inscription on the New Water Clock” for the water clock of the Fengguo Army Tower: “Since ancient times, the role of the water keeper has existed. Without the vessel, it fails; without the person, governance ceases. What is this governance? Neither hasty nor delayed—whether noble or common, rise and rest are timed. Before dawn breaks, he calls forth the officials. Would they not stir? To offend the times is their fault. Neglect and laxity are flaws in governance. Alas, for a state, be prudent with this. This is its core, so that future generations may reflect—thus clarifying his will to ‘reform abuses and renew.’”

Legend has it that after the Southern Crossing of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou, once visited Mingzhou. In 1103 AD, while being chased by Jurchen forces, Emperor Gaozong fled to the Drum Tower in Mingzhou. There, he saw the spirits of five generals—Zhang Xun, Xu Yuan, Nan Jiyun, Yao Tong, and Lei Wanchun—who had died defending Shangqiu against the rebel An Lushan during the Tang Dynasty’s Tianbao era, standing with flags, clad in armor, and lining up to welcome him. The pursuing Jurchen troops, arriving at the base of the Drum Tower, saw only thick cobwebs and desolation, mistakenly believing no one was hiding there and thus chasing elsewhere, allowing Emperor Gaozong to escape. Later, Emperor Gaozong decreed the establishment of the “Fengguo Army Tower Shrine,” enshrining those five generals.

Haishu Tower covers an area of over 700 square meters, with a wall height of eight meters and an arched gateway ten meters deep. The gate is five meters wide and constructed of stone. A staircase on the northeast side of the wall leads up to the tower. The tower has five bays, three tiers of eaves, and a hip-and-gable roof, with flying eaves and upturned corners, presenting a majestic and classic appearance. In 1930, a large clock and a bronze bell were installed in the central bay on the third floor, used both for timekeeping and fire alarms.

Haishu Tower marks the official establishment of Ningbo’s administrative region and urban development during the Tang Dynasty. In 1989, funds were allocated to renovate the tower, restoring its grandeur. A “Ningbo Urban Development Historical Exhibition” was set up on the second floor, using text and images in an accessible way to detail the city’s historical evolution, layout, and environmental features. This helps visitors vividly understand Ningbo’s past, present, and future, fostering a sense of national pride. Today, the Drum Tower is also one of Ningbo’s moral education bases.

Address: No. 18 Shangshu Street, Haishu District, Ningbo (near Drum Tower Pedestrian Street)

Type: Historic Building

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

Free admission.

Transportation

Bus lines passing by the Drum Tower include Routes 12, 14, 15, 19, 238, 2, 380, 3, 504, 528, 804, 809, 820, 14 Peak Hour Section, 14 Morning Branch Section, 14 Afternoon Branch Section, 202 Loop, 2 Night, 809 Night, and 820 Night.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Zhejiang Province