DRUM TOWER STREET

In 1404, the 2nd year of the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, the ancient Tianjin City was built with a surrounding wall. In about 1493, the Drum Tower was built at the center of the city. Over 500 years later, it is still one of the most important monuments in Tianjin.

The Drum Tower and its surrounding areas have changed over years with the most recent in 1998. In that year the Tianjin Government initiated a program to develop the Old City. And now the area surrounding the Drum Tower is a vibrant, commercial street in Tianjin.

Large numbers of old housing blocks were rebuilt according to the architectural features of the 15th century when the Drum Tower was first built. Thus, the traditional historical landscape of the Drum Tower Region was restored while incorporating several modern construction elements. The Drum Tower and its surrounding area is now a bustling commercial district which boasts cultural and historical significance. It has been earmarked as one of the must-see places for local and foreign tourists.

Drum Tower was divided into three parts: East Street, North Street and South Street.
East Street
The Drum Tower East Street is primarily an area dedicated to shopping and sightseeing spots.
In this area you will find the Eden Supermarket which includes bridal studios, florists, candy shops, bed and bedding materials and much more. Further on, you will find clothes boutiques selling fur as well as beauty salons.
Outside this area is Tianjin's famous "Lady Street" where one can find anything from cosmetics, perfume, shoes, hats to fur accessories.

North Street
At the Drum Tower North Street is located the Curios and Jewels Street. Here one can check out the wide range of jewelry made from gold and gemstones.
There is also a vast choice of curio and souvenir items, tea and chinaware. There are many restaurants here offering Chinese and Western fare.

Among the more attractive spots are:
1£® The Drum Tower Gold Shop: it is one first floor of North Street and has a large array of shops selling gold, `green diamonds' and other gemstones.
2£® China Northern Curio City: it is on the second floor in the west of North Street.
It is an important market of North Street and has mainly chinaware, sculptures, ancient books and paintings, etc. The "Moonbeam Restaurant", "Gathering Treasure Mountain Lodge" and "Clay Figurine Zhang" shop are all located here.
3£® Art Market: offers traditional art, modern art and home decorations.
There are also China dress shops, silk shops, medicine shops, bookstores, and shops selling ice cream, cold drinks and beer.

South Street
In the west of South Street is a large entertainment center, covering four floors.
It includes a cafeteria, chess and cards rooms, billiards room, KTV rooms and a large recreation space.
There are also beauty salons, spas, yoga rooms, baths, a gymnasium and even a Latin dance club to dance up a storm.

You have your choice of eateries at South Street. There are the usual fast foods such as Pizza House as well as Chinese restaurants such as the "Seafood Building". The "Relish and Cafe Square" located in the second floor is another good place to make your selection between Chinese and Western food.
There are also tea gardens and teahouses which have drama and folk art performances to entertain guests.
"Leisure World" is also a new addition and has book clubs, food and entertainment outlets, coffee shops, confectionary shops and ice-cream parlours.