Historic Chinese Drum Tower Collapses a Year After Major Restoration

The Fengyang Drum Tower, a Ming Dynasty structure in China, suffered a partial roof collapse on May 21, 2025. The tower, built in 1375, had undergone a recent 3.4 million yuan restoration just a year prior. Eyewitnesses described the event as sudden and dramatic, with a large cloud of dust billowing into the air. "It happened so fast," said one witness, "I just saw the roof come down." Fortunately, no one was injured in the collapse. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse, raising questions about the effectiveness of the recent restoration. The incident underscores the challenges of preserving historical landmarks and the importance of thorough structural assessments.