Jiangzhou Drum Tower

Jiangzhou Drum Tower

The Jiangzhou Drum Tower is situated in the southeastern part of Juyuanchi Community, Longxing Town, Xinjiang County, on the Ya Slope at the western end of Gongyuan Lane. It faces east and has an overall dimension of 23.95 meters from east to west and 17.65 meters from north to south, with a total floor area of 422.7 square meters. Originally constructed during the Zhi Zheng era of the Yuan Dynasty (1341–1368), it was renovated in the 28th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1600), the 5th year of the Chongzhen reign (1632), the 4th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1665), the 27th year of the Qianlong reign (1762), and again in 1994. The current main structure dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Oriented from east to west, it features a brick archway opening from east to west at the base, with plaques above the lintel on both the front and back sides—“Han Yuan” (Vast Horizons) on the eastern side and “Zhen Xin” (Illuminating the Dawn) on the western side. The tower has three stories, with a five-bay width and four-rafter depth, topped by a triple-eaved hip-and-gable roof. It is surrounded by a covered corridor and features drum-shaped column bases. The first and second floors have bracket sets (dougong) beneath their eaves: the first floor uses a single upward-lifting bracket set (yi dou san sheng), while the second floor features a three-curved single-kick style. Two stone steles are embedded above the archway on either side. Along with the Bell Tower and the Music Tower, it is known as one of the “Three Towers of Jiangzhou.” Two stone steles related to renovation efforts are embedded on both sides of the eastern gate. On November 20, 1996, it was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Longxing Town: Originally named Chengguan Town, Longxing Town was formed through the merger of the former Chengguan Town and Diantou Township, and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Xinjiang County. Since ancient times, it has been known for its developed handicraft industry and convenient transportation. Three major highways—the Shanhan, Linxin, and Linxia—intersect within its boundaries. The Fen River, often referred to as the Mother River of Shanxi Province, flows through the town. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was celebrated alongside Taiyuan and Linfen as one of the three great strongholds of the Jin Kingdom. It has earned accolades such as “a hub for both water and land transport,” “Nanjian and Beidai, with Xinzhou holding its own,” and “boasting all seventy-two trades.” It is also recognized as a National Historical and Cultural City approved by the State Council.

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