Yinchuan Drum Tower

Introducing Yinchuan Drum Tower
Yinchuan Drum Tower, located in the downtown Yinchuan, is one of the city’s iconic landmarks. Yinchuan Drum Tower is also known as the “Cross Drum Tower”. Standing since 1821 at a major intersection, the tower commands attention. Its compact and well-designed structure, with graceful forms, embodies the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).

Today, amidst flat roads, speeding cars, and modern high-rises, the ancient Drum Tower stands, a time vortex slowly unfolding layers of history and legend, revealing the essence of Yinchuan.

Yinchuan Drum Tower Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Yín Chuān Gǔ Lóu 银川鼓楼
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 15 – 30 x minutes
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture
• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Intersection of Jiefang East Street and Gulou South Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

What to Expect at Yinchuan Drum Tower
The Drum Tower, a magnificent testament to ancient Chinese architecture, stands 36 meters (118 ft) tall and occupies a 576 square meter footprint. Its imposing structure comprises three distinct sections: a robust platform base, a multi-storied tower, and graceful corner pavilions. 

The square platform, crafted from sturdy brick and stone, measures 24 meters (78.7 ft) on each side and rises 8.5 meters (27.8 ft). Each side features a wide, 5-meter (16.4 ft) arched gateway adorned with intricate stone inscriptions, allowing passage through the center and connecting to the city streets beyond. At the heart of this solid base rises the three-story tower, its hip-and-gable roof adorned with multiple eaves that lend an air of elegance and grandeur. Each level is encircled by a corridor, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Four graceful corner pavilions, each with its own unique design, add a final touch of artistry to the tower’s silhouette.

How to Get to Yinchuan Drum Tower
• By Bus: Take bus 1, 29, 34 to Drum Tower Station.