In brief
A 14th-century Drum Tower in Fengyang County, China, partially collapsed, raising alarms about the quality of its 2025 renovations and igniting investigations into potential misuse of public funds.
The Drum Tower in Fengyang County, an important historical landmark dating back to the 14th century, suffered a significant partial roof collapse this week, stirring public outcry and prompting an investigation into the renovations that had reportedly taken place not long ago. Videos circulating on social media showed a distressed scene as roof tiles fell dramatically onto the plaza below, where a crowd had gathered. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident, as confirmed by local authorities, who have opened an inquiry into the cause of the collapse.Designated as a key cultural relic of Anhui Province, this tower's origins trace back to 1375 during the Ming dynasty. Its unique and majestic structure forms part of a series of drum towers that historically served as timekeepers for Chinese communities. However, the upper portion of the Drum Tower, known for its intricate curved eaves, was reconstructed in 1995 after the original structure was demolished in the 19th century. Following a recent refurbishment intended to address falls of misaligned roof tiles, the local government now faces scrutiny regarding the renovation's integrity and whether the funds, amounting to approximately 3 million yuan (nearly $420,000), were effectively utilized. The investment raised eyebrows when it was noted that the company responsible for the renovations previously encountered controversies, including a destructive fire during a different project in Anhui ten years ago. This has led to questioning the safety protocols in constructions and repairs of such culturally significant sites in China.
