Drum Tower of Xi'an | Xi an

The Drum Tower of Xi'an (西安鼓楼, Xī'ān Gǔlóu) is another prominent historical landmark in Xi'an, located near the Bell Tower in the city center. Like the Bell Tower, it is a key symbol of the city's ancient heritage and a must-visit for tourists exploring the city's rich history. The Drum Tower served a different function from the Bell Tower, yet both structures are intertwined in Xi'an’s cultural identity.

Historical Background:

Construction and Origins:

• The Drum Tower was built in 1380 CE, during the Ming Dynasty, though it stands on the site of earlier structures from the Tang Dynasty. The original tower served to fulfill similar purposes, such as marking time and coordinating the city’s daily activities.
• The current tower, having undergone renovations, was built around the same time as the Bell Tower, but it has its distinct role and history.

Purpose and Role:

• The primary function of the Drum Tower was to mark time by sounding large drums, unlike the Bell Tower, which used a bell. The tower housed a set of large drums, which were beaten at regular intervals during the day, particularly in the morning and evening. The rhythm of the drum was used to help coordinate daily life in the city.
• In addition to timekeeping, the drum was also sounded in the event of danger or emergencies, much like the bell in the Bell Tower. It served as an alert system to warn the citizens of potential threats, such as attacks or fires.

Symbolism:

• The Drum Tower, along with the Bell Tower, represents the rhythm and heartbeat of Xi'an during ancient times. The two towers symbolized harmony and order in the city, with the Bell Tower keeping time during the day and the Drum Tower marking the passage of the evening hours.

Architecture and Design:

Structure and Layout:

• The Drum Tower is a three-story wooden structure built on a brick base, standing 34 meters (112 feet) tall. The architectural style is traditional Chinese, with upturned eaves, a characteristic feature of ancient Chinese wooden buildings.
• The tower’s design is symmetrical and elegant, with a combination of wooden beams and columns supporting its structure. The upturned eaves give the tower a graceful, sweeping appearance, especially in contrast with the city’s modern buildings.

The Drums:

• The Drum Tower is home to a set of large, ancient drums. The central drum is particularly significant, measuring about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in diameter. The drum is struck with a mallet, and its loud, resonant sound reverberates through the city, marking the time and alerting the public.
• The drums at the Drum Tower are not just musical instruments but are also considered symbols of the city’s history, representing the rhythmic pulse of Xi'an through the centuries.

Interior Design:

• Inside the tower, there is a platform with large drums positioned on the upper levels. The platform offers visitors a view of the drums and the mechanism that is used to strike them.
• The tower is richly decorated with traditional Chinese motifs, including painted wooden beams, elaborate carvings, and ancient inscriptions that tell stories about Xi'an's past and the significance of the tower.

Surrounding Area:

• The Drum Tower is located in Drum Tower Square (鼓楼广场, Gǔlóu Guǎngchǎng), a central area of the city. The square serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists and features beautiful landscaping, fountains, and pedestrian walkways. It is also one of the main hubs for traffic in the city.
• The proximity to the Bell Tower gives the area a sense of historical coherence, as both towers played integral roles in the daily life of Xi'an in ancient times.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

Role in Xi'an's History:

• As one of the largest and best-preserved drum towers in China, the Drum Tower of Xi'an reflects the importance of timekeeping and public coordination in ancient Chinese society. It was a crucial part of the daily routine of the city, especially during the Ming and Tang Dynasties, when Xi'an was a thriving political and cultural capital.
• The tower was also part of the defensive system of the city. The sounds of the drums were used not only for timekeeping but as an alert for emergencies or attacks. This system helped maintain order and stability in the city.

Symbol of Cultural Heritage:

• The Drum Tower is a symbol of Xi'an’s heritage and its pivotal role in ancient China. Xi'an, as the capital of multiple dynasties, was the center of governance, culture, and commerce. The Drum Tower, as a timekeeping and alert system, was one of the mechanisms through which the city operated smoothly.
• Today, it continues to be a cultural symbol of Xi'an, and its preservation ensures that future generations can learn about the city’s importance in shaping Chinese civilization.

Tourist Experience:

Visiting the Drum Tower:

• The Drum Tower is open to visitors, and the interior of the tower has been well-preserved and is accessible. Visitors can walk through the tower, learning about its history and significance through exhibits that include historical drums, inscriptions, and artifacts.
• The upper floors of the Drum Tower offer visitors an opportunity to observe the large drums and enjoy a panoramic view of the Drum Tower Square and the surrounding areas. The view includes nearby ancient streets, traditional architecture, and the bustling city.

Drum Performance:

• One of the main attractions for visitors is the drum performance that takes place periodically throughout the day. During these performances, drummers strike the large drums to recreate the historic sounds that would have been heard centuries ago. These performances are not only a demonstration of the tower’s historical purpose but also a display of the rhythmic beauty and significance of Chinese drum culture.
• The sound of the drums is incredibly resonant, and visitors often remark on how the experience feels like stepping back in time to a different era of Xi'an.

Cultural Exhibits and Events:

• The Drum Tower also hosts various cultural exhibits and art exhibitions, showcasing elements of Xi'an’s artistic and historical heritage. These exhibitions often include traditional Chinese music performances, art displays, and interactive programs.
• Special events are often held to celebrate important Chinese holidays, such as Chinese New Year, during which the tower is beautifully lit up and festive performances are staged for visitors.

The Surrounding Area:

• The Drum Tower is located in a bustling part of Xi'an. After visiting the tower, tourists can explore nearby attractions such as the Muslim Quarter, Xi'an City Wall, and Bell Tower. The Muslim Quarter is a famous area for food and shopping, offering a variety of local snacks, street foods, and souvenirs.
• The Drum Tower Square itself is a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere of one of Xi'an’s most iconic locations.

Conclusion:

The Drum Tower of Xi'an is a magnificent and historically significant structure that continues to be an important symbol of Xi'an’s cultural and historical identity. Its role in timekeeping, emergency alerts, and the daily life of ancient Xi'an underscores its importance in the city’s development. Today, it remains a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to connect with the past through its architecture, drums, and cultural exhibits. The Drum Tower stands as a testament to Xi'an’s ancient heritage and its role as a once-powerful political and cultural center in China.