Kaifeng Drum Tower

Kaifeng Drum Tower

Located at the west entrance of today’s Gulou Street, also known as Qiao Tower. The platform is three zhang high, with a brick-constructed archway connecting east and west. Brick steps in the northeast corner allow visitors to climb up. The tower features a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, spanning five bays. The upper level is equipped with railings, offering views from which to gaze into the distance. Under the western eave hangs a plaque inscribed with “Sound Shakes the Center of Heaven,” while the eastern eave bears one reading “Reaching Every Corner.” The regular script is neat and vigorous, representing the finest large-character calligraphy in old Kaifeng. It is said to have been written by Yuan Shunyi from Xiangfu County during the Qing Dynasty. The inscriptions on both plaques include an upper dedication: “On this auspicious day in the third month of the ji-si year of the 28th reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Great Qing, 1689,” and a lower dedication: “Erected by Yan Xingbang, Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Court of Censors, Provincial Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs of Henan and Adjacent Regions, and Superintendent of River Works.” (Both plaques no longer exist; photographs are kept at the Henan Provincial Museum.) A drum approximately three feet in diameter was once placed on the tower.

The Drum Tower was initially built in the 12th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1379) by Xu Sima, Commander of the Henan Regional Military Commission. It was renovated in the 1st year of the Jingtai era (1450), again in the 5th year of the Tianshun era (1461), and in the 6th year of the Jiajing era (1527) by the eunuch supervisor Lü Xian. In the 28th year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1689), Governor Yan Xingbang carried out another renovation, followed by Governor Li Henian in the 7th year of the Guangxu era (1881). In 1928, a square high tower was constructed at the center of the tower’s roof, with four sides fitted with large automatic clocks. In 1931, roads were opened along the northern and southern walls. During the first phase of the Liberation War in Kaifeng in 1948, the structures on the platform were destroyed, leaving only the high base. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it was restored and used as a reviewing stand for festivals. In 1972, the high base was demolished and turned into a public square.

Address: Gulou Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City

Type: Historical Site / Historic Architecture

Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 hour

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee.

Transportation:

Take bus routes 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 24, or 28 and get off at Gulou Square Station.