A visit to the Bell and Drum Towers is honestly one of those experiences you will never forget. You might be wondering or curious as to what are the Bell and Drum Towers or if you enjoy history you probably have a good idea what this place is.
The Bell and Drum Towers are ancient landmarks that are located in the center of Beijing, the capital city of China.
History of the Bell and Drum Towers
These two towers once served as Beijing’s official timekeepers.
The Drum Tower marked the passing of hours with drumbeats, while the Bell Tower complemented it with its resounding chimes.
Together, they played an essential role in regulating daily life in ancient Beijing.
They aided residents in waking up in the morning and also helped to set curfews at night.
Fun Facts about the Bell Tower
- The Bell Tower has a huge bronze bell, known as the “King of Ancient Bells.” That bell is huge and weighs over 63 tons.
- It’s not just about the weight of the bell itself, the Bell Tower has a height of 47.9 meters, with a total architectural area of 1477.98 square meters. While the bronze bell has an overall height of 7.02 meters, with its main body standing 5.55 meters tall.
- The Bell Tower was used for timekeeping and was cast under the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty.
- The Bell Tower was originally built as a wooden structure but due to being burnt down many times, it was rebuilt as a brick building.
- When the Bell Tower was rebuilt in the Qing dynasty, a masonry and beam-free arch structure was adopted for fire prevention.
- During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the towers were central to Beijing’s timekeeping system, with drum and bell performances scheduled daily.
Fun Facts about the Drum Tower
- Construction of Beijing’s Drum Tower began during the 9th year of Emperor Zhiyuan of the Yuan Dynasty (1277 AD).
- The tower was originally called the “Qizheng Tower,” which means “coming from” the seven ancient celestial bodies of gold, wood, water, fire, the earth, sun and moon.
- The tower was later rebuilt under the reign of Emperor Chengzong (1297 AD) of the Yuan Dynasty.
- The tower as it exists today is as a result of a rebuilding effort during the Ming Dynasty (1420 AD).
- The Drum Tower originally had 25 watchman’s drums, of which only one original (the principal drum) remains today. That’s kind off sad when you think about preserving history.
- The others have been reconstructed based on historical records.
- During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the towers were central to Beijing’s timekeeping system, with drum and bell performances scheduled daily.
- The Drum Tower is 46.7 meters in height (153 feet).
- The exhibition hall on the fist floor of the Drum Tower is magical. Feels like something out of this world. You can actually watch the time and space changes in the sounds and drums of the towers.
- The Drum Tower is in the North and from the top of the tower, you can view the city. Just look at how beautiful it looks!
- The Bell and Drum Towers were time reporting facilities and not time keeping facilities and as such the ancient Chinese also used a sundial and a device similar to an hour glass to tell time.
- This device was called a clepsydra or a water clock.
- Unlike an hour glass that uses sand, this device used water. If you look at the image closely you can almost visualize how it worked.
Admission and Visiting Details
- Admission: Tickets are required to enter the towers. The typical cost is around ¥30 (combined ticket for both towers).
- Hours: The towers are usually open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary by season or special events.
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased on-site or through official tour operators.
Visit to the Bell and Drum Towers
Visiting the Bell and Drum Towers is like stepping back in time. At the Drum Tower visitors can watch live drum performances at scheduled times throughout the day. You should plan your trip in a way you get to see this part. It was fun to watch.
Visitors can also explore historical displays, ancient drums, and cultural artifacts. If you enjoy reading and seeing artifacts, you would really like visiting this place.
- The Bell Tower features the massive bronze bell, and visitors can climb to the top for stunning views of Beijing’s historic neighborhoods and hutongs.
- The steep wooden staircases and how the interiors are setup truly make feel I was walking through history. It all felt very authentic.
Tips for Visiting
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Both towers require climbing steep stairs to reach the upper levels. I cannot stress this part enough. You will be climbing a lot so make sure you make yourself as comfortable as possible in terms of your clothing.
- Plan for the Drum Performance: Check the schedule to catch the live drum show. They are held several times a day, so if you miss one don’t just heard out thinking it’s done for the day.
- Visit Both Towers: A combined ticket is more economical because each tower actually has different historical experiences for you to view.
- Bella & Drum Towers Gifts Shop: You can also visit this gift shop where you can purchase some souvenirs to remember these landmarks.
- Pastry Shop: There is also a pastries shop were you can grab some refreshments and you shouldd really treat yourself after all that walking!
Nearby Attractions
You should plan your trip in a way that you can combine it with some other nearby attractions including:
- Nanluoguxiang: A famous hutong filled with traditional architecture, boutique shops, and street food.
- Houhai Lake: A scenic area ideal for walking, boating, or enjoying local bars and restaurants.
- Prince Gong Mansion: A preserved Qing Dynasty mansion showcasing imperial architecture and gardens.
- Jingshan Park: A short distance away, this park offers incredible views of the Forbidden City.
Best Time for a Visit to the Bell and Drum Towers
The best time to visit the Bell and Drum Towers is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is still nice and you can get clearer skies to overlook the city.
I would say visit in the morning especially if you are someone who does not really like crowds.
The Bell and Drum Towers is really something special, an architectural marvels, but even more than that I think it’s a way to look back and learn about Beijing’s history and culture.
