Famous Places: Visit to the Bell and Drum Towers, China

A visit to the Bell and Drum Towers promises an unforgettable experience.

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 features a huge bronze bell, known as the “King of Ancient Bells,” weighing over 63 tons.
• 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.

• 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).

• In the exhibition hall on the fist floor of the Drum Tower, visitors can enjoy 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.

• 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.

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.

Visitors can also explore historical displays, ancient drums, and cultural artifacts.

• 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 rustic interiors give a sense of authenticity and history.

Tips for Visiting

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Both towers require climbing steep stairs to reach the upper levels.

• Plan for the Drum Performance: Check the schedule to catch the live drum show, typically held several times a day.
• Visit Both Towers: A combined ticket is more economical. Each tower offers unique historical insights.

• 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.

Nearby Attractions

The Bell and Drum Towers are located in a historic district with several nearby attractions:

• 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 mild, and the skies are clear.

Morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds.

The Bell and Drum Towers are not just architectural marvels but also a gateway to Beijing’s rich history and culture.

Are you planning to visit to the Bell and Drum Towers? Have you visited already visited? I would love to hear about your experience.