Sanjiang Drum Tower

Sanjiang Drum Tower

Sanjiang Drum Tower

The drum tower is the symbol and soul of Dong ethnic villages. It is made of wood, constructed with mortise and tenon joints, and the entire structure uses not a single iron nail. The tower can have anywhere from a few to dozens of stories, mostly odd-numbered, and is shaped like a square, hexagon, or octagon. It generally stands over ten meters tall, with the tallest reaching several dozen meters. Resembling a pagoda, it is majestic and spectacular, with multiple tiers of upturned eaves, a rigorous structure, exquisite craftsmanship, delicate decoration, and simple yet elegant colors.

Known as the "World’s Largest Drum Tower," the Sanjiang Drum Tower was built in November 2002 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County. It was jointly constructed by a team of local Dong folk master builders led by renowned craftsman Yang Siyu, combining cultural, aesthetic, and tourism functions. The Sanjiang Drum Tower sets four world records:

First, the largest footprint. The drum tower has 60 pillars resting on the ground, covering a base area of 600 square meters. Together with the newly decorated square, the total area exceeds 4,000 square meters. The completion of the drum tower provides a spacious venue for social gatherings, events, and festivals for the Dong people.

Second, the greatest height. The total height is 42.6 meters.

Third, the most stories. Apart from the top two floors, the other 25 layers of roof tiles are evenly stepped inward, creating a narrowing effect floor by floor, giving the structure a pyramid-like shape that is dignified and stable. There are a total of 27 layers of eaves. Each eave corner is delicately upturned, with intricate carvings and vibrant painted eave boards, forming a striking contrast with the massive and rugged body of the tower. This harmoniously blends light and heavy, crude and refined, sparse and dense, thick and thin, rigid and soft elements into a perfect whole—pleasing to both the eye and the heart.

Fourth, the thickest main pillars. The four main fir pillars supporting the drum tower each have a diameter of over 70 centimeters. The first main pillar is 208 years old, with a diameter of 85 centimeters and a length of 27 meters. The second main pillar is 206 years old, and the third and fourth main pillars are also over a hundred years old. This is unprecedented in the history of drum tower architecture. The Sanjiang Drum Tower incorporates the strengths of various drum towers and features unique design elements. To enhance its tourism appeal, it includes four observation decks, with the highest one located on the 25th floor. The stone base of the drum tower is carved with bas-reliefs depicting everyday Dong life scenes such as the Flower Cannon Grabbing Festival, song celebrations, oil tea making, cockfighting and bird competitions, and silk farming and weaving. The vivid carvings exude a strong rural charm, showcasing the Dong people’s long-standing history and culture as well as the exceptional architectural skills of Dong craftsmen—truly breathtaking.

Opposite the Sanjiang Drum Tower lies the Fu Lu Temple, nestled among mountains and surrounded by green trees, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere. It is a must-visit destination for travelers in Sanjiang. The Fu Lu Temple is a Buddhist site, fully equipped with Buddhist facilities. The grand and solemn Mahavira Hall attracts a continuous stream of worshippers.

Address: Near Duoye Square, Moon Street, Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou City

Type: Modern Architecture

Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes

Opening Hours:

9:00-17:00

Admission Fee:

15 RMB per person

Sanjiang Dong Village Scenic Area

Duoye Square

Pingyin Yongji Bridge

Moon Street

Dong Ethnic Bird’s Nest

Sanjiang Exotic Stone City