A fascinating incident occurred at the Fengyang Drum Tower, a historic tourist site in eastern China, where visitors were alarmed as roof tiles began to detach and plummet more than two stories to the ground. Constructed in 1375, the tower historically signalled the onset of ceremonies and marked the time of day, making it one of the largest Drum Towers in the country.
Located in Anhui province, approximately 320 kilometres from Beijing, the tower remains a major draw for tourists. However, on a recent Monday, the serene atmosphere of the site was disrupted when hundreds of tiles slipped from the roof, creating a significant cloud of dust and causing great concern among witnesses.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the tile collapse lasted a minute or two, with one individual sharing the distinct sound of the tiles falling from a nearby shop. Fortunately, the area was largely deserted at the time, and no injuries were reported, sparing potential harm to any children who might have been playing nearby later in the evening.
The local culture and tourism bureau has confirmed that there were no casualties and that the situation is currently under investigation. This collapse comes just a year after the tower underwent renovations following minor roof damage, raising questions about its structural integrity.
The building itself is composed of two distinct parts: the original Ming-era base and the newer tower structure which was last rebuilt in 1995. Most of the recent damage appears to have affected the latter section.
Fengyang county is renowned for its rich history and cultural significance, notably as the birthplace of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor and founder of the Ming dynasty. Under his reign, China experienced a period of prosperity, marked by robust trade and an expanding population, during which the country transitioned from precious metals to the use of paper currency.