Ancient Tower in China Sheds Roof Tiles, Prompting Tourist Panic

A historic landmark in Anhui province faces potential structural issues as tiles cascade from its roof, raising safety concerns.

A moment of alarm unfolded at the Fengyang Drum Tower in eastern China when numerous roof tiles dislodged and fell to the ground from the centuries-old structure, startling tourists.

The Fengyang Drum Tower, constructed in 1375, served as a vital instrument for announcing ceremonies and timekeeping. According to state media, it is recognized as one of the largest Drum Towers in China and a significant tourist destination in Anhui province, which is situated approximately 200 miles from Beijing, the nation's capital.

On Monday, the tranquil atmosphere of the site was disrupted as hundreds of roof tiles started to detach, crashing down and producing a cloud of dust. "The tile falling lasted for a minute or two," recounted an eyewitness to Yangcheng Evening News. Another witness from a nearby shop described the sound of tiles falling one after another.

"There was no one in the square and no one was injured," said another witness to The Beijing News. "If it happened a little later, there would be many children playing (near the tower) after dinner."

The local culture and tourism bureau has stated that there were no reported injuries and that an investigation is underway. The recent incident occurred just a year after the tower underwent renovations addressing minor roof damage. However, the structure is composed of two sections: the original Ming-era base and the tower above, with the latter being rebuilt in 1995. According to local officials, most of the damage happened to the latter part.

Fengyang county is esteemed for its historical and cultural significance. It was the hometown of Zhu Yuanzhang (the Hongwu Emperor), the founder of the Ming dynasty. His rule saw a period of growth, driven by robust international trade and a rising population. During this period, China transitioned from traditional silver and gold currency to paper money.