Drum Tower of Dong Minority

Dong people drum towers own two kinds -- pagoda types and hall type, and the pagoda types is more popular. The most typical towers are the Zengchong Drum Tower in Congjiang. It is octagonal pagoda-type drum tower with odd stories eaves. On the top rises a multi-eaved, octagonal finial pavilion. The eave angle is upturned, and the over all outline is changeable, beautiful in style.

Dong legend has it that the drum tower was built in accordance with the sample of the "king of cedar", and the overall outline of the Dong people drum tower really looks like a cedar, embodying the concept of worshipping big trees.

Inside, four big pillars stand erect, and benches between the pillars encircle the central fire pond. A big drum hangs down from the top of the tower, and is beaten whenever something happens. The pagoda-type pagoda is also in a hexagonal or square form in addition to the octagonal.

The drum towers provide venues for the whole village to discuss and settle important matters, hold important festivals or entertainments such as singing and the playing wind instruments. A leather drum is placed in the drum tower. When there are important things to talk about, the drum is beaten by a respected village to summon the villagers. There is a fire on the ground where a fire burns almost all year round.