Descending the stone steps north from Tongji Bridge, one is greeted by a towering city tower known as Shunjiang Tower, commonly referred to as the Drum Tower. Constructed atop a 5-meter high city wall, which is the only remaining section of the ancient city wall in Yuyao, this wall is extremely precious and its integration with the tower further highlights the quaint historical features of Yuyao.
Shunjiang Tower, initially built in the first year of the Yuan Dynasty’s Zhiyuan era (1335) and named after Shunjiang, was equipped with a water clock to measure time. Throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. In the 11th year of the Guangxu reign, it was reconstructed and a large bronze bell was cast, which served both as a timekeeper and for fire alarms.
Strategically positioned as a city tower guarding the geographical and strategic points of Yuyao, Shunjiang Tower was an important gateway to the ancient city of Yuyao and held significant strategic importance. During the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, when the people of Yuyao defended their homes against Japanese pirates, the tower played a crucial role in the battles with the installation of bells, drums, and cloud boards.
Shunjiang Tower is a prominent example of official-style construction in ancient Yuyao architecture and holds significant value in architectural science. Together with Tongji Bridge, it represents the outstanding architectural wisdom and capability of ancient Yuyao craftsmen.As a symbolic structure of ancient Yuyao city, it stands as a historical testament to Yuyao’s ancient civilization and serves as a historical emblem of the city.
In April 1995, Tongji Bridge and Shunjiang Tower were designated as one of the first batch of patriotic education bases in Yuyao City by the Yuyao Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and the People’s Government of Yuyao City. The opening hours and business status are subject to the actual situation on the day.
