Yaodu Dazhong Tower

Yaodu Dazhong Tower

Dazhong Tower is located on a street slightly west of the city center, commonly known as the Drum Tower, and is a symbol of the ancient civilization of Linfen. There are no exact historical records documenting when it was first built.

According to research by historians, there is a theory that the Pingyang Drum Tower was rebuilt during the Jin Dynasty and renamed the Bell Tower. A massive iron bell weighing ten thousand jin, cast in the 7th year of the Mingchang era of the Jin Dynasty (1196), is currently suspended in the tower. This suggests that it was built no later than the Northern Song Dynasty. Historical records from the Shanxi Provincial Annals, the Pingyang Prefecture Annals, the Linfen County Annals, as well as inscriptions on steles indicate that the drum tower has undergone seven major renovations. Its plaques have also been rewritten five times. The tower stands 24 zhang tall from its base to the top, with a square base that is 40 meters long on each side, covering a floor area of 1,600 square meters. Four arched gateways intersect at the center of the base. Each gateway is topped with a stone-carved plaque inscribed respectively with “Facing East Towards Lei and Huo,” “Controlling West Along the Fen and Yellow Rivers,” “Linking South to Qin and Shu,” and “Reaching North to You and Bing.” On the east and west sides of the tower’s base, there are stone staircases leading up to the tower gates, each with 40 steps. The platform is 10 meters high, with access to a central hall from all four sides. Climbing wooden stairs leads to the second floor, where an outer corridor surrounds the second hall. From the corridor, visitors can look out over the surrounding rivers and mountains, enjoying sweeping panoramic views.

Phone: 0357-2591065

Address: Yaodu District, Linfen City, Shanxi Province