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 stood at the northern end of Beijing's old central axis. The Drum Tower (1272 origin, current 1747) housed 24 large drums that beat the watches of the night for 600+ years. The Bell Tower nearby rang the morning bell. Visitors climb steep wooden stairs to the upper levels; daily drum performances at advertised times.
How to get there
Metro Line 8 to Shichahai or Line 2 Gulou Dajie.
When to visit
Combine with Houhai walk afterward.
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