A large section of roof tiles from the Mingzhongdu Drum Tower in Fengyang County, Anhui Province, China, collapsed, raising serious questions about the safety of the site and the quality of its recent restoration. No injuries were reported.
Local officials said the tower had undergone major renovations, completed in March 2024, for 3.41 million yuan (USD 470K). The incident has drawn public concern, especially given the structure’s historic importance and the recent investment in its preservation.
Built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty and reconstructed in 1995, the Drum Tower has faced ongoing structural problems in recent years.
Since 2017, the site has experienced repeated damage, including falling tiles and deteriorating eaves. These safety risks led local authorities to initiate a comprehensive restoration project in 2023.
Tiles fell from the ancient Drum Tower in Fengyang, #Anhui Province, on May 19. The tower, originally built in 1375 and rebuilt in 1995, had been under renovation since late 2023. Local authorities are investigating the incident. #architecture #China pic.twitter.com/h5U2ABXZLn
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) May 20, 2025
After a public bidding process, design, construction, and oversight teams were selected in May 2023. Restoration work began in September.
The project aimed to reinforce the tower’s double-eaved roof, replace damaged tiles and beams, and improve safety features, including second-story railings.
The county’s Cultural and Tourism Bureau reported that the collapse occurred around 6:30 p.m. and affected one side of the roof.
Another video has emerged….
On the evening of May 19, tiles fell from the Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower in Fengyang County, China.
Built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, the tower recently underwent repairs costing over 3.41 million yuan.
No injuries were reported, and… pic.twitter.com/9xnddcKpEF
— Volcaholic
(@volcaholic1) May 20, 2025
In response, Fengyang County activated an emergency protocol to ensure public safety. Authorities quickly evacuated the area and installed safety barriers by 11 p.m. to prevent further risk to bystanders.
Following the incident, county officials established a dedicated investigative team. The firms responsible for the renovation were directed to inspect the site alongside independent experts. The investigation will review the restoration process and determine whether errors or oversights contributed to the collapse.
On the evening of May 19, tiles fell from the Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower in Fengyang County, China.
Built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, the tower recently underwent repairs costing over 3.41 million yuan.
No injuries were reported, and authorities are currently investigating… pic.twitter.com/mrD9E4ybaD
— Volcaholic
The tower, known locally as Zhongdu Qiaolou, is a major historical landmark in Fengyang’s old city district. While the original structure was destroyed in 1853 during the Qing Dynasty, the base survived and was designated a provincial-level protected cultural relic in 1989.
The 1995 reconstruction was intended to restore the site’s former glory, blending traditional architecture with modern engineering.
As the investigation into the tower collapse moves forward, the incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of how restoration projects are planned and managed, especially for culturally significant sites. Officials have not yet released a timeline for when the tower might reopen to the public.
The Mingzhongdu Drum Tower remains closed as authorities continue their assessment. The outcome of the investigation is expected to influence future preservation efforts across the region.
