[2024 Xi County Attraction] Travel Guide for Xi County Drum Tower (Updated Nov)

Shanxi Tourism | Ming Dynasty Ancient Tower in the Center of a Small County - Xi County Drum Tower

Linfen Xi County Drum Tower The Drum Tower consists of a platform and a pavilion on top, with a total height of 20.3 meters. According to the 'Xi Zhou Zhi' and the inscription under the ridge purlin, 'In the 45th year of the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, the official in charge of Xi Zhou affairs, Chu,' the beam structure, plaques, etc., retain original Ming Dynasty items. The Drum Tower is located at the very center of the county, serving as a four-sided, through-street gate tower. Built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it is a brick-wood structure with a total height of about 20 meters. Above the gate is the main building with a cross-hipped roof with three eaves, decorated with flying eaves and glazed tiles, elegantly high and charming, with steps facing south that once allowed people to climb up and enjoy distant views. Surrounding the gate are four stone plaques, showcasing the calligraphy of Song Zaiguang, the prefect of Xi Zhou during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, reading 'East Screen Gu She,' 'West Belt Yellow River,' 'South Facing Ancient Ci,' and 'North Arch Jin Yang.' Each side of the pavilion also hangs large wooden plaques from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, such as Shu Guifang's 'Longquan Ancient County,' Song Zaiguang's 'Longevity Legacy,' Bai Longtai's 'Important Town of Hedong,' and Wang Juzheng's 'Heroic State of Sanjin.' Since ancient times, famous scenic spots have been showcases for literary and artistic talents, and Xi County Drum Tower is no exception.