Bianjing Drum Tower

Shanxi


Smack in the centre of Daixian old town, this 14th-century drum tower will make up for all the times you felt let down by faux ancient towers or authentic ones you could only admire from afar. The majestic wooden structure, preluded by a dramatic stone staircase, has retained many of its Ming dynasty features. Ascend to the upper floors for a closer look at the simple but beautiful beams and brackets, and a bird's eye view of the town.

Daixian (or Dai County) is located between Taiyuan and Datong. Tourism has not yet reached its old town, which is quite lively with relics still very much a part of inhabitants' everyday life. The town is small and you can walk from sight to sight.

Buses (two to three hours; ¥38) depart daily for Daixian from Datong Bus Station and Datong South Bus Station. The Drum Tower is 610m from Daixian Bus Station.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Shanxi attractions

1. Daixian Confucius Temple

0.33 MILES

Raised in the Tang dynasty and restored in the Ming, this serene Confucius Temple features gateway arches with striking green glazed tiles, shapely…

2. Nanchan Temple

26.62 MILES

This very quiet temple near Dongye (东冶) contains a strikingly beautiful Great Buddha Hall that dates to 782, making it the most ancient surviving timber…

3. Foguang Temple

27.43 MILES

This temple's main hall dates to 857 and contains a statue of Sakyamuni surrounded by other colourful statues with 296 arhat (罗汉, luóhàn) in the flanks…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "china/shanxi/attractions/bianjing-drum-tower/a/poi-sig/1628122/356077",
      "destination": "Shanxi",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "China",
      "region": "Shanxi",
      "position": "superzone"
    }