Dazhong Tower

Dazhong Tower

Located in the western part of the city center on a major street, commonly known as the Drum Tower, it is a symbol of Linfen’s ancient civilization. There are no exact historical records regarding 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 (approximately 5 metric tons), cast in the 7th year of the Mingchang era (1196) during the Jin Dynasty, is currently suspended in the tower. Based on this, it is inferred that the tower was built no later than the Northern Song Dynasty. According to the *Shanxi Provincial Annals*, *Pingyang Prefecture Annals*, *Linfen County Annals*, and inscriptions on steles, the drum tower has undergone seven major renovations. Its plaques have also been rewritten five times. The tower stands a total of 24 zhang high from the base, with the base being a square measuring 40 meters on each side and covering a construction area of 1,600 square meters. The four arched gateways intersect perpendicularly at the center of the base. Above each gateway is a stone-carved plaque, inscribed respectively with “Facing East towards Leihu,” “Controlling West along the Fen and Yellow Rivers,” “Connecting South to Qin and Shu,” and “Leading North to You and Bing.” On the east and west sides of the Dazhong Tower’s base, there are stone stairway gates, each with 40 steps. The platform is 10 meters high, and from all four sides one can enter a central hall. Ascend wooden stairs to the second floor, where the outer section features a corridor. From the corridor, one can lean on the railing and enjoy panoramic views of the rivers and mountains.