The nine-layer xieshan-style roof of the Mapang drum tower.

The Totem Lusheng Column of Miao nationality.

    The drum tower can be divided into two parts: the lower part like pavilion while the upper part like a pagoda. The lower part is supported by eight columns. The four outside columns are used for supporting the pavilion eaves while the inside columns of China firs are used for supporting the beams. The upper part is constructed with multiple eaves and corbel brackets which can be distinguished into rectangle, hexagon or octagonal eaves. Multiple eaves can be five layers or seven layers, or even nine layers or eleven layers.

    The steeple of the drum tower is often installed with precious bottle gourd and millennium crane that represents good luck. The ground inside of the drum tower is usually paved with stone and built with fire pit and installed with seats along the walls, which has a seating capacity of 100-200 people. As a matter of fact, the drum in the tower is only a hollow-out huge wood covered with the cattle hides at both ends. The drum tower is a place where the villagers discuss public business or work out regulations or rules for township administration. Secondly drum beating can also sound the alarm for bandits or robbers. The beating is the signal for gathering and joint actions.

    The center of the Dong village is the drum tower while the center of the Miao village is the Lusheng column, which is a vertical huge China fir decorated with ox horns, dragons, phoenixes and broadsword. Its top is a phoenix shape. The Lusheng column stands on the Lusheng level (ground surrounding the Lusheng column), there are designs made of cobblestones on the ground. The Lusheng column is the totem of Miao Nationality.