Historic site · BEIJING
Drum Tower and Bell Tower
鼓楼钟楼 · Gǔlóu Zhōnglóu
About
Yuan-dynasty drum and bell towers that kept official time for imperial Beijing. Climbable; daily drum performances.
The Drum Tower and Bell Tower mark the northern terminus of Beijing's old central axis — the line that runs south from the Bell Tower through the Drum Tower, Jingshan Park, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Gate, Tiananmen Square, and beyond. The axis was first established under Kublai Khan's Yuan dynasty capital of Dadu in the 13th century; the towers at the northern end served as the city's official timekeepers for over 600 years.
The Drum Tower (Gǔlóu) stands first, closest to the hutong neighbourhood on Gulou Dajie. The original was built in 1272; the structure that stands today dates from 1747. It is a substantial red-walled building on a high platform, housing 25 drums of which only one is an original — the others were destroyed or lost and replaced in the modern period. The drums were struck at intervals through the night watches to mark official time. Visitors climb a steep internal staircase to the upper gallery; hourly drum performances by costumed musicians are staged daily at set times. The Bell Tower (Zhōnglóu) stands 100 metres to the north, built in its current masonry form in 1747 after two timber predecessors burned. The original Yongle Bell is now in the Great Bell Temple; the bell currently hanging was cast in 1420.
The views from both towers across the grey tile rooftops of the surrounding hutongs are among the most characteristic in Beijing — a city-level perspective that predates the high-rise skyline. Allow an hour for both. The surrounding Shichahai area with Houhai Lake is a natural extension of any visit here.
How to get there
Metro Line 8 to Shichahai or Line 2 Gulou Dajie.
When to visit
Combine with Houhai walk afterward.
Gallery
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does Drum Tower and Bell Tower cost to visit?
- Adult entry to Drum Tower and Bell Tower is ¥30, ¥15 for children. Combined ticket.
- When is Drum Tower and Bell Tower open?
- Drum Tower and Bell Tower opening hours: 9am–5pm.
- How long do you need at Drum Tower and Bell Tower?
- Allow 1–2 hours for Drum Tower and Bell Tower. Add buffer time if you plan to visit at peak season or include nearby sights in the same trip.
- When is the best time to visit Drum Tower and Bell Tower?
- Combine with Houhai walk afterward.
- How do you get to Drum Tower and Bell Tower?
- Metro Line 8 to Shichahai or Line 2 Gulou Dajie.
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