Xian Drum Tower, China

In ancient China, drums and bells were used to signal the passage of time, and in emergency situations - as an alarm signal. In 1380, during the reign of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), a two-story Tower 34 meters high was built. The Drum Tower is located northwest of the Sian Bell Tower. Among the locals, the towers are known as "related buildings" or "Morning bell and dark drum".

The Drum Tower was built in 1380 during the reign of the Ming Dynasty Emperor (1368-1644) Honwu. Later it was repaired twice - in 1699 and 1740 of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). This is a two-story building, 34 meters high, its width is 53 meters from east to west and 38 meters from north to south. In addition, the Drum Tower also has some innovative introductions, for example, not to mention that there is not a single iron nail in the building of the tower.

A giant drum was installed on the top of the Tower so that the sound would reach the distant parts of the city, the area of which was quite large - about 9 square kilometers.

Souvenirs from China. China - the birthplace of umbrellas, it was here that the first instance was invented. By purchasing such a gift for yourself, you will definitely stand out at home: the surface of national products is decorated with images of girls / women in Chinese clothes and hieroglyphs. The market offers many types of silk, nylon and paper sheets soaked in oil. Textiles are pulled on bamboo knitting needles or a mulberry wood frame.

Nowadays Drum Tower is no longer used as a timer, but there are some new attractions for visitors. In 1996, a new drum covered with a whole cowhide skin was given a place on the Tower. It is the largest drum in China at the moment, and now visitors can enjoy musical performances. The Drum Tower is located in the heart of the Muslim Quarter of Xian.

Together with the Bell Tower, located to the north-west of it, they constitute the harmonious architectural ensemble of the area. As well as the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower was intended to inform citizens about the time. The bell proclaimed the coming of the morning, and they beat the drum at sunset and every night until the night.

In the Drum Tower you can visit the museum of drums. Some exhibits are over 1000 years old. For tourists there are costume shows with drums. On the north and south sides of the tower on the first floor there are 24 beautiful reels by the number of months of the Chinese agricultural calendar. Visitors are not allowed to beat them. But at the very entrance to the tower hangs a large old drum, which can be struck 3 times for a small fee. Also, visitors will be interested to climb the tower, from which a panorama of the center of Xian opens.

Chinese music itself is distinguished by a variety of musical instruments, this also applies to drums. There are more than 50 varieties of plate, membrane and self-sounding instruments in Chinese music. Membrane instruments, so named because of the tightly stretched membrane, well known for conventional drums. The sound is obtained as a result of a blow to the membrane.

Souvenirs from China include jade products. Jade is a special stone for the Chinese. From ancient times it is a symbol of power and immortality. Previously, stamps were made from it for the imperial seals, erected sarcophagi of leaders, sawed off mythical creatures that guard the rulers' chambers. One of the most famous Buddha statues in Shanghai is made of similar material. It is not surprising that various jade jewelry, talismans, figurines and other household items are one of the best souvenirs that travelers buy and bring to their homeland.

Souvenirs from China. A variety of combinations of coins tied with red threads, decorated with knots and tassels is one of the most popular and bought souvenirs that can be brought from China. This is the main local symbol of well-being, where a bright shoelace string means luck, and a knot means infinity. Three connected coins attract wealth if put under a rug at the entrance to your house, and six will lead you to success in all matters.

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