Zhangye Drum Tower (Zhenyuan Tower)
镇远楼
A Ming-dynasty drum tower in the city centre, with plaques reading “Golden Zhangye” and “Zhenyuan Tower”. It is one of the largest drum towers in the Hexi Corridor.
Zhangye Drum Tower, also called Zhenyuan Tower, stands at the crossroads of four main streets in Ganzhou District. It was first built in 1507, in the Zhengde reign of the Ming dynasty, and restored during the Kangxi reign of the Qing. It is one of the largest surviving drum towers in the Hexi Corridor. The tower is about 25 m high. Its base is a brick platform with cross-shaped vaulted passages, and its upper part is a three-storey timber pavilion. Plaques on all four sides read “Golden Zhangye”, “Zhenyuan Tower”, “Shengzhen Huayi” (“its voice resounds across the lands”) and “Wanshi Yilai” (“blessings for ten thousand generations”). A Tang-dynasty bronze bell hangs in the upper floors. You can admire the exterior for free, and climbing depends on opening arrangements. The drum tower is surrounded by Zhangye's busiest commercial district. Within a few minutes' walk are Ganzhou Market, the Giant Buddha Temple and Muta Temple. The lights come on at night, making it a great time for photos.
Opening hours
Exterior viewable all day
Nearby sights
- Ganzhou Market (Night Food Market)
- Zhangye Shanxi Guild Hall
- Muta Temple (Wooden Pagoda Temple)
- Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
- Zhangye National Wetland Park
- Heishuiguo Ruins
- Pingshanhu Grand Canyon
- Zhangye Danxia Landform