The Fengyang Drum Tower, considered the largest remaining drum tower in China, has partially collapsed just one year after undergoing major restoration work. Located in Anhui province’s Fengyang County, the historic structure fell into disrepair on May 20, prompting an emergency closure of the surrounding area and an official investigation into the cause.
A Sudden Collapse Captured on Video
Footage shared on social media shows the tower’s upper tiles slowly sliding off before a more dramatic section of the roof suddenly detached, scattering fragments onto the entrance steps and sending plumes of dust into the air. According to reports, no injuries were sustained during the collapse, though the incident has raised serious questions about the quality and oversight of recent restoration efforts.
The Fengyang Drum Tower was originally constructed in 1375, during the early Ming Dynasty. The current structure is a reconstruction from 1995, following the destruction of the original building in 1853. Revered for its architectural significance and cultural legacy, the tower comprises both the foundation and a large timber-framed building, making it a major heritage attraction in eastern China.
Recent Restoration and Costs
According to the Chuzhou Culture and Tourism Department, the Fengyang Drum Tower underwent a repair project beginning in September 2023. The work was projected to be completed by March 2024. However, signs of wear were reported years earlier. Since 2017, local tourism authorities had logged falling tiles and damaged cornices, indicating the need for structural intervention.
Public data from the Chuzhou Public Resources Trading Center shows that the initial contract for the restoration was valued at approximately 3.4 million yuan (about USD 473,300). The final reported settlement amount was slightly lower, at 2.9 million yuan (about USD 404,000).
Despite this investment, the collapse calls into question the durability and adequacy of the work completed. Experts and the public alike are now demanding transparency regarding the project’s contractors, materials used, and inspection processes.
Site Closure and Ongoing Investigation
The Anhui provincial government has closed the area around the drum tower to both tourists and researchers while structural safety assessments are conducted. Authorities confirmed that no members of the public were inside or near the tower at the time of the collapse. Still, the event has led to a temporary suspension of visits to similar historic structures across the region as a precautionary measure.
The investigation is focusing on the quality of construction materials, weather-related erosion, and potential design flaws in the reconstruction. Officials are also examining whether contractor oversight and building code compliance were properly enforced during last year’s repairs.
Historical Significance of the Fengyang Drum Tower
Drum towers, once found in nearly every major Chinese city, served as important civic landmarks. They were historically used to keep time and call townspeople together in pre-modern eras. The Fengyang Drum Tower, rebuilt in 1995, became symbolic for its scale and design, and was officially recognized as the largest remaining drum tower in the country, according to the local cultural tourism bureau.
The structure stood not only as a monument to Ming Dynasty architecture but also as a vital tourist draw for Fengyang, a town already rich in historical landmarks. Its collapse represents not just a physical loss, but a blow to local heritage preservation efforts.
Summary of Known Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fengyang County, Anhui Province, China |
| Date of Collapse | May 20, 2025 |
| Structure Type | Drum Tower (Rebuilt in 1995) |
| Original Construction | 1375 (Ming Dynasty) |
| Restoration Period | September 2023 – March 2024 |
| Restoration Budget | 3.4 million yuan (final: 2.9 million yuan) |
| Casualties | None reported |
While the investigation continues, cultural preservation experts are calling for a nationwide review of heritage site maintenance practices. With increasing reliance on tourism revenue and rising visitor numbers, ensuring the safety of historic attractions remains a priority for both local governments and international travelers.
The collapse of the Fengyang Drum Tower is a stark reminder that even well-known heritage sites are vulnerable—and that preservation goes far beyond a fresh coat of paint or roof tiles. Until answers are found, one of China’s great wooden giants stands silent once more.
