Tourists Flee as 600-Year-Old Chinese Tower Partially Collapses

A centuries-old Chinese tower, standing for over 600 years, partially collapsed, causing panic among nearby tourists who quickly fled the scene. The sudden structural failure has raised serious concerns about the preservation and maintenance of ancient heritage sites in China. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident highlights the urgent need for better protection of historical landmarks that continue to attract large numbers of visitors each year. Investigations into the cause are currently underway.

Visitors at a historic tourist spot in eastern China were suddenly forced to rush away when hundreds of roof tiles loosened and tumbled down over two stories. The Fengyang Drum Tower, constructed in 1375 and historically used to signal ceremonies and mark the time, is one of China’s largest towers of its kind, state media reports.

Located in Anhui province about 200 miles from Beijing, the tower is a key attraction for tourists. On Monday, calm was disrupted as numerous roof tiles slipped off the tower, falling and kicking up a thick cloud of dust.

An eyewitness shared with Yangcheng Evening News, a government-run paper, that the tiles kept falling for about a minute or two. Another observer recalled hearing the sharp noise of tile after tile dropping while standing near a shop by the tower entrance.

He confirmed to The Beijing News, another state media outlet, that no one was in the area and no injuries occurred. He added that if the incident had happened later, it could have been dangerous as children often play nearby after dinner.

Local tourism and culture officials reported no casualties and stated that an investigation is ongoing. The incident took place just a year after the tower underwent repairs following minor roof damage. The structure has two main parts: the original base from the Ming dynasty and the tower built on top. Most damage affected the upper section, which was reconstructed in 1995, according to officials.

Fengyang county is well-known for its rich history and cultural heritage and is the birthplace of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor, who founded the Ming dynasty. His reign marked a flourishing period for China, driven by expanding international trade and a rising population. It was also during this era that China transitioned from using silver and gold coins to adopting paper currency.

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Source: CNN‍