The incident highlights ongoing issues with the preservation of historical sites amid growing cultural tourism.
**Historic Drum Tower Roof Collapse Raises Alarm in China**
**Historic Drum Tower Roof Collapse Raises Alarm in China**
A roof collapse at the iconic Drum Tower in Fengyang County has sparked concerns over renovation standards.
On May 22, 2025, the reconstructed roof of a 14th-century tower in Fengyang County, eastern China, partially collapsed, leading to an immediate investigation into the quality of its recent renovations. Dramatic footage captured the moment when tiles slid from the Drum Tower, causing onlookers in the plaza below to flee as a cloud of dust enveloped the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and local authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collapse.
The Drum Tower, a significant cultural relic in Anhui Province, has its foundations dating back to 1375 during the Ming dynasty, standing as the largest drum tower base in China. Historically, such towers were essential for communities, serving the purpose of keeping time. However, the present structure—the upper building—was only constructed in 1995 after the original was destroyed in the 19th century. This structure had undergone a renovation in the year preceding the incident, reportedly aimed at addressing issues with falling tiles.
Public discourse has erupted online regarding the renovation’s integrity, which was funded with an expenditure of approximately 3 million yuan (around $420,000). Questions arise about potential misuse of public funds and whether the contractor responsible for the tower’s renovations had adequately performed their duties, especially given past incidents involving the same company that led to disastrous outcomes during prior projects in the region.
The Drum Tower, a significant cultural relic in Anhui Province, has its foundations dating back to 1375 during the Ming dynasty, standing as the largest drum tower base in China. Historically, such towers were essential for communities, serving the purpose of keeping time. However, the present structure—the upper building—was only constructed in 1995 after the original was destroyed in the 19th century. This structure had undergone a renovation in the year preceding the incident, reportedly aimed at addressing issues with falling tiles.
Public discourse has erupted online regarding the renovation’s integrity, which was funded with an expenditure of approximately 3 million yuan (around $420,000). Questions arise about potential misuse of public funds and whether the contractor responsible for the tower’s renovations had adequately performed their duties, especially given past incidents involving the same company that led to disastrous outcomes during prior projects in the region.
