A One-Day Tour of Beijing's Bell and Drum Towers over the Weekend

Located on the central axis of Dongcheng District in Beijing, the Bell and Drum Towers are remnants of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. The Bell Tower and the Drum Tower are two separate buildings, each standing a hundred meters apart. The Bell Tower is located to the north. Its base and main structure are made of grey bricks and stones, and it is covered with black glazed tiles. It stands 47.9 meters tall, and the existing main structure was built during the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty. The Drum Tower is located to the south. It consists of a brick and stone base and a wooden structure. The building features red walls, red pillars, and a double-eaved hipped roof. It was built during the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty and stands 46.7 meters tall. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower, with bell ringing in the morning and drum beating in the evening, are known as 'Morning Bell and Evening Drum.' They signaled the start and end of the curfew. When the bell and drum sounds were heard, 'within and beyond the capital, for more than ten miles, none failed to listen attentively.' This was an ancient reminder for the citizens to follow the sequence of their work and daily lives. Since ancient times, the Chinese have had a strict concept of time. 'Appropriateness' and 'following the rules' have been deeply integrated into Beijing's culture. Location: No. 9, Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Shichahai Station, Line 8 Hours: 9:30-17:30 Ticket Prices: Bell Tower 10, Drum Tower 20, Bell Tower + Drum Tower 30 (University students, seniors over 60 years old, and active military officers and soldiers can purchase half-price tickets)