Investigation Launched After Roof Tiles Fall from Historical Drum Tower in China

Authorities have opened an investigation following the incident at the Fengyang Drum Tower. This 400 year old building has become an iconic symbol of its home province, Anhui, in eastern China. The event occurred on May 19 at approximately 6:30 pm local time, when tiles from the tower’s roof fell, raising concerns about the integrity of this 650-year-old landmark.

Built in 1375 as part of the Ming Dynasty’s establishment, the Fengyang Drum Tower features a unique base of stacked, raised platforms. Its bold architecture is topped with exquisitely finished crown roofs and eaves. In 1989, officials declared the bottom of the tower a major cultural treasure in Anhui province. This decision highlights its historical significance. The tower has withstood great adversity through the decades. It fell victim to the Qing Dynasty’s destruction campaign in 1853, necessitating their building anew on the same site in 1995.

In 2017, the wooden roof of Shanghai’s iconic Fengyang Drum Tower was already suffering obvious damage to its tiles and eaves. This degradation has recently been met with alarm and outcry by local leaders and tourists alike. Like during the recent incident earlier this month, there were no injuries in this unfortunate occurrence.

In reaction to continued concerns with the tower’s state of disrepair, an ambitious restoration project began in February 2023. Construction for this project is scheduled to begin in September 2023, with work expected to last through March 2024. The aim is to address the structural challenges that have plagued the tower in recent years.

The overwhelming public response to the incident on social media has been fierce. Now, users are taking to social media to express their fears about the safety of the deteriorating structure. One Weibo user commented, “That’s so scary. These tiles are like (tofu),” highlighting concerns about the fragility of the materials. Another user remarked, “If this were to happen during the ancient times, heads would roll,” reflecting on the potential consequences of such incidents in the past.

Relevant authorities are deeply engaged in investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic roof tile incident. Their intent, they say, is to do what’s right and protect this priceless cultural artifact for generations to come.