Beijing Drum and Bell Towers

Bell and Drum towers is located at Dongcheng District of Beijing, at the north end of central axis of Beijing City. It is a unique tourist attraction. Bells and drums were musical instruments in ancient China. Later they were used as timepieces by government and became watches for the officials and common people as well. The Bell and Drum towers were central to official timekeeping in China in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. They were continued to function as the official timepiece of Beijing until 1924, when the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty was forced to leave the Forbidden City and western-style clockwork was made the official means of time-keeping. 

What Are the Drum Tower and Bell Tower

Drum Tower was initially built in 1272 (during the reign of Kublai Khan), was rebuilt in 1297, 1420 and 1539. The two-story structure was made of wood with a height of 47 meters. On its second floor there originally were 25 drums. Among them, there were one big drum and 24 smaller drums (The big one represents a year and the 24 small drums represent 24 solar terms of China). Now, only the big drum is left. The drum is beaten four times a day, for 15 minutes at a time. There are many shops on the first floor where you can buy what you need.

Close behind the Drum Tower stands the Bell Tower. Bell Tower is made of bricks and stone with gray walls and a green glazed roof. It is 48 meters high and also is two stories. On all four sides of the tower there is an arched door on the first floor. A stairway leads to the second floor. On the second floor there is also an arched door with a stone window framing each side. Right in the middle of the second floor is the big copper bell that tells the time. It is hung on a wooden framework. It is the heaviest bell in China. There is a round wooden peg that knocks the bell.

_{Ancient bell inside the Bell Tower}

The Bell Tower originally housed a huge iron bell. But because its tolling was not loud enough, this was replaced by a large bronze bell. The iron bell was moved to the back of the Drum Tower where it has remained for over 500 years. And the bronze bell is in perfect condition today. It is over 10 inches thick and 7 meters (23 feet) high, with a weight of 63 tons. As recently as 1924, the bronze bell could be heard ringing out the 7:00 p.m. chiming from a distance of over 20 kilometers.

History

The Bell and Drum towers were central to official timekeeping in China in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. The Drum and Bell towers was built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan. At that time, they stood at the very heart of Dadu, which was the capital of Yuan Dynasty and was known as the Tower of Orderly Administration (Qizhenglou). In 1420, the building was rebuilt to the east of the original site under the order of the Ming Emperor Yongle. The Bell Tower first came into use during the reign of the Ming Emperor Yongle, which it was converted. The new Bell Tower was destroyed by fire after only a brief existence and it was not until 1747 that Emperor Qianlong undertook the reconstruction of an attractive durable stone structure. In 1800, large-scale renovations were carried out under the order of the Qing Emperor Jiaqing. In 1924, Feng Yuxiang removed the official status of the towers. After the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty was forced to leave the Forbidden City and western-style clockwork was made the official means of time-keeping. And they were replaced with western time-keeping methods and renamed the building "Mingchilou", or the "tower of clarifying shame". Later on, it was destroyed in wars. In the 1980s, after much repair, the Bell and Drum Towers were opened to tourists. 

Architecture of the Bell and Drum Towers

The Drum Tower

The Drum Tower stands at 46 meters tall and is a magnificent example of traditional Chinese architecture. Built with a wooden frame and covered in yellow glazed tiles, the structure is a typical representation of Chinese imperial style. The first floor of the Drum Tower hosts a cultural exhibition, detailing the history of the tower and timekeeping traditions in Beijing.

On the second floor, the giant drum is housed. This drum, which weighs over 60 kilograms, was traditionally struck at sunset to signal the closing of the city gates. Visitors can see the drum up close and even participate in a live drum performance. The second floor also offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including Qianmen Street and the city skyline.

The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower, standing at 47 meters, is a striking counterpart to the Drum Tower. Its roof, like the Drum Tower, is covered with yellow glazed tiles, and its structure follows a similar architectural style. Inside the Bell Tower, visitors can admire the large bronze bell, which was used to announce the dawn each day. The second floor of the Bell Tower allows visitors to get a closer look at the bell and explore its historical significance.

Both towers are located on Gulou Street, which is lined with traditional hutongs, further enhancing the historical atmosphere of the area.

What to See in the Bell and Drum Towers

Drum Tower's Historic Performances

One of the highlights of the Drum Tower is the drum performance, which takes place at intervals throughout the day, replicating the ancient practice of timekeeping. The performance takes place on the second floor of the Drum Tower, where three drum players, dressed in traditional ethnic costumes, strike the massive drum. The drum performance is a spectacular spectacle of sound and culture, as the powerful beats fill the space and reverberate through the air.

There are 25 drums in total within the Drum Tower. Among them, 24 smaller drums represent the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar, while the main drum represents the entire year. This ancient system of timekeeping highlights the close connection between Chinese culture and the rhythms of nature. The performance takes place at different intervals depending on the season, with each performance featuring a unique drumbeat.

Bell Tower's Massive Bell

The Bell Tower houses one of the largest and heaviest bronze bells in China. Weighing over 63 tons, this bell was cast during the Ming Dynasty and is a key feature of the Bell Tower. The bell is a testament to the sophisticated metallurgy techniques of the time. The Bell Tower also includes an exhibition on timekeeping, showcasing how bells were used in ancient China to mark time and guide daily life. Visitors can also take in the panoramic views from the top of the tower, which provide a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding area.

Cultural Relics
Inside both the Bell and Drum Towers, visitors can explore a variety of cultural relics that provide insight into Beijing’s history and culture.

In the Drum Tower, visitors can see 25 drums, including the historic main drum, which has been used in significant performances such as the 1990 Beijing Asian Games. The drums are made with oxhide and feature intricate carvings that reflect the craftsmanship of the time.

The Bell Tower houses a large copper bell that weighs more than 60 tons and was cast in the Ming Dynasty. The bell, which bears the inscription “Great Ming Yongle Year,” is one of the heaviest bells ever cast in China. It served as an essential part of the city's timekeeping system for centuries.

Additionally, the Qilin Stele, which is a stone tablet once located in Qilin Alley, is now on display inside the Drum Tower. It is said to date back to the Ming Dynasty and was originally placed in front of a general's residence. The stele is an important historical artifact, offering visitors a glimpse into the military history of the time.

How to Visit the Bell and Drum Towers

Drum Tower Visit

1. Start your journey at the Drum Tower entrance. The first floor of the Drum Tower is dedicated to cultural exhibitions that showcase the history of timekeeping in Beijing, the evolution of the towers, and traditional Chinese drums.
2. Take the stairs to the second floor, where you will find the large, ancient drum. Here, visitors can participate in a drum performance or simply admire the craftsmanship of this majestic instrument.
3. On the second floor, don't miss the stunning view of the central Beijing cityscape, especially the panoramic view of Qianmen Street, the Beijing city skyline, and surrounding areas.

Bell Tower Visit

1. Begin your visit to the Bell Tower with a stop on the first floor to view the historical exhibition, where you’ll learn about the ancient bell and its significance in Beijing’s time-keeping tradition.
2. Then, climb the stairs to the second floor, where you will see the massive bronze bell that once rang at dawn to signal the start of the day. You can explore the bell chamber and observe its impressive size and historical markings.
3. The second-floor windows offer excellent views of the surrounding area, with particular emphasis on the drum tower across the square.

City Walk Route: Drum Tower to Bell Tower
For those interested in exploring Beijing’s vibrant cultural and historical area on foot, there’s a recommended city walk that connects these two iconic landmarks.

• Start at Drum Tower, take a leisurely stroll along Yandai Xie Street (known as “Pipe Alley”), a charming ancient street with traditional shops and teahouses.
• Proceed to Silver Ingot Bridge (Yindinqiao), one of Beijing’s most famous ancient bridges, leading you to Shichahai Lake and the surrounding hutongs.
• End your walk at Huoshen Temple, a well-preserved ancient temple that adds an additional layer of cultural depth to your experience.

Flower Viewing Strategy

If you're visiting in spring, you might have the chance to see beautiful flowers in bloom. From early March to May, flowers such as forsythia, peach blossoms, and magnolias bloom along the streets surrounding the Drum Tower, especially Gulou Street. These vibrant colors add a fresh charm to the historical atmosphere of the Bell and Drum Towers.

Best Photo Spots and Scenic Views

If you're a photography enthusiast, here are some of the best spots that will allow you to capture the Drum Tower and Bell Tower and even the essence of old Beijing in all its beauty.

• Drum Tower Front: The area in front of the Drum Tower is ideal for wide-angle shots that capture both the tower and the surrounding old Beijing street scene.
• Bell Tower: The Bell Tower offers fantastic views of the city, especially from the second-floor window.
• Silver Ingot Bridge: The best location for sunset shots with both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the background.
• Top of the Drum Tower: The views from here give you a chance to capture a wide-angle photo of the city’s central axis.

How to Get there

• Subway: take Subway Line No.2 and get off at Guoloudajie Station. Then exit at Exit B and walk southwards to get there
• Bus: take bus No.5, 124, 60 or Trolley –bus No.107 and get off at Drum Tower (Gulou) Station.