Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Fucheng lies a hidden gem of history—the ancient Drum Tower. Located on the narrow, barely noticeable Drum Tower Street, this relic stands as a reminder of the city’s storied past.
While modernity has overtaken much of the area, the Drum Tower’s archway still evokes memories of a time when Fucheng was a significant political, cultural, and military hub.
Historical Significance
The Drum Tower is a significant remnant of Qiongzhou Fucheng, which was established during the Northern Song Dynasty in 972 AD. It reached its zenith during the Ming Dynasty, when the city walls were expanded to over 4,100 meters in length, standing over 9 meters high and 6 meters wide.
The city had three main gates and four corner towers, along with fortified districts, and a protective moat. Today, only parts of the east and west gates and the Drum Tower remain.
Drum Tower Street
Built during the Ming Dynasty, Drum Tower Street gets its name from the Drum Tower situated at its southern end. Also known as the Chao Tower or Wenming Tower, it is the largest surviving ancient building in Fucheng.
The southern gate, crucial during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, was secured by the Drum Tower to ensure the safety of the city. The tower we see today was reconstructed in 1788 during the Qing Dynasty by Wu Dian, a notable scholar.
Architectural and Cultural Highlights
Upon ascending the Drum Tower, visitors encounter a stone tablet inscribed with “Reconstruction of the Drum Tower.” Although most of the characters have faded with time, the tablet stands as a testament to its historical significance.
Wu Dian’s restoration took into account the tower’s height and the occasional typhoon which blows in from the coast, resulting in a single-story structure with a stone archway running north to south. The southern entrance is adorned with the words “Magnificent View of Hainan,” and the northern entrance with “Civilization of Qidian,” both penned by Wu Dian.
The Wenming Tower, dedicated to the deity Wenchang Dijun, features high eaves, carved beams, and painted rafters. The stone railings in front of the tower once offered a vantage point for poets and scholars to compose and reflect.
Although the tower retains its ancient charm, it has fallen into disrepair, with overgrown weeds and makeshift rooms now occupying its base. For many years, it served as housing for workers of a local work unit.
Reflections on Change
Standing atop the Drum Tower and gazing at the closely packed houses below, it’s hard to imagine the picturesque scenes described by the late Qing Dynasty poet Wang Maozeng. His verses spoke of expansive vistas and the feeling of soaring with birds, a stark contrast to today’s urban landscape.
Faded Grandeur
While much of Qiongzhou Fucheng’s grandeur has faded into history, the Drum Tower remains a link to the past. Its enduring presence invites us to remember the city’s rich heritage and the inevitable changes brought by time.
Address: 府城鼓楼 (copy and paste into WeChat maps)
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