Roof Collapse at Renovated Fengyang Drum Tower Prompts Structural Oversight Review

On May 20, 2025, the roof of the Fengyang Drum Tower in Anhui Province, China, partially collapsed, shedding hundreds of roof tiles. The incident occurred just months after a major renovation project concluded in 2024. While no injuries were reported, the failure has prompted local authorities to initiate a full investigation into the repair design, material use, and overall construction quality. The tower, originally constructed in 1375 during the Ming dynasty, is a culturally significant heritage structure and a central tourist site in Fengyang County.

The Drum Tower has undergone multiple renovations, including a large-scale repair in 1995 and a roof-specific project that began in 2023. The latest works were completed at a cost of approximately 2.9 million yuan (USD 402,600). Preliminary findings cited by media sources indicate that the contracted company involved in the 2023 project may have subcontracted tasks to unqualified personnel. Previous issues linked to the same contractor included fire damage to another historical structure during renovation efforts in 2015. A drone inspection conducted in December 2024 reportedly identified cracks in the new roof structure.

Authorities have closed the site to the public and secured the surrounding area. Supervision teams and technical experts have been dispatched to assess the integrity of the remaining structure and identify root causes. Investigations are also focusing on project procurement processes, qualifications of involved personnel, and compliance with cultural preservation standards. The case has reignited wider discussions around construction quality assurance, particularly in projects involving historic buildings.

Check out the following video showcasing footage of the Historic Ming Dynasty Tower collapse.