Zhongwei Drum Tower 中卫鼓楼

About Zhongwei Drum Tower

The upper timber building rises in several tiers above a substantial base, creating a recognisable skyline from each approach. The monument’s history includes rebuilding after fire, so the present form reflects later construction as well as its earlier origins. Pair it with Gaomiao to compare a civic landmark with the more intricate layout of a temple complex.

The tower was first built in 1631, the fourth year of the Ming Chongzhen era (崇祯). In the early Qing dynasty it became known as Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁). It burned down in 1817, the twenty-second year of the Qing Jiaqing era (嘉庆), leaving only its base standing, and was rebuilt starting in 1831, the eleventh year of the Daoguang era (道光), with construction completed the following year.

The tower stands 23 metres tall, with an overall height of 30 metres across three storeys, at the centre of Zhongwei. It was listed as a County-Level Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected by the former Zhongwei County (原中卫县县级重点文物保护单位) in 1984 and as a Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Protected Cultural Site (宁夏回族自治区文物保护单位) in 2005.

What to look for

• Tiered timber roofs make the tower visible along the central streets.
• The crossroads setting explains its role as an old-town landmark.

The surrounding area

The desert-and-river landscape around Shapotou, suitable for a distinct scenic stay.

Location & getting there

Getting to Zhongwei Drum Tower

Use Zhongwei Drum Tower at the junction of the Gulou streets in central Shapotou District. Approach by the pedestrian crossings and check whether any interior spaces are admitting visitors.