This is the dramatic moment tiles fell from a centuries-old drum tower in China.

The roofing of the 650-year-old structure suddenly collapsed on the evening of May 19.

Footage shows slate tiles crashing to the ground, sending thick clouds of dust and debris billowing into the air.

Startled tourists, who had been observing the structure, can be seen pausing in shock before sprinting to safety.

No injuries were reported. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse.

The drum tower, originally built in 1375 during the eighth year of the Hongwu reign in the Ming Dynasty, was rebuilt in 1995 and had been under renovation since late 2023 in Anhui Province.

The structure consists of two parts: the base and the main building. Its pedestal measures 72 metres from north to south, 34.25 metres from east to west, and stands 15.8 metres high — making it the largest drum tower pedestal in China.