Tianjin Drum Tower

Tianjin Drum Tower

The Tianjin Drum Tower is a national AA-level tourist attraction, a cultural tourism site, and a patriotic education base.

The Drum Tower is a landmark building of old Tianjin. Located in the center of the old city, it was constructed when Tianjin Wei City was first built in the second year of the Yongle reign during the Ming Dynasty. The tower features archways on all four sides to connect the city's four main streets. Instead of a drum, a bell was used to mark the time. In 1952, the Drum Tower was demolished due to traffic concerns. The current structure is a recent reconstruction, but there’s not much to see.

The Drum Tower was one of the “Three Treasures of Old Tianjin.” Located in the center of the old city, it is adjacent to the renowned Canton Guild Hall and surrounded by other famous attractions such as the Ancient Culture Street, the Temple of the Queen of Heaven, and the Lüzu Hall. Together, they create a rich local cultural atmosphere.

The Drum Tower, whose main restoration project has been completed, frequently hosts various exhibitions, such as those on urban redevelopment and the history of housing development in Tianjin. These exhibitions showcase the evolution of local housing across historical periods including the Jin, Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties, modern times, and the pre-liberation era. There is also an exhibition on Tianjin’s architectural styles and notable residences, featuring over 70 typical buildings and residences.

Time needed: about one hour

Transportation: Take the 611 direct air-conditioned bus and get off at Drum Tower Commercial Street Station, or take convenient buses such as 61, 15, 161, 657, or Line 2 of the metro to Drum Tower Station, then walk to the site.

Ticket: 27.00 RMB (bell-ringing not included)

Combined ticket for Bell and Drum Towers: 40.00 RMB per person

Opening hours

April 1 – October 25: 08:30 – 22:00

October 26 – March 31: 08:30 – 17:00

Location: West side of Shizi Lin Bridge on the Haihe River, Nankai District, Tianjin

Tel: 27273443