The Bell and Drum Towers are beautifully constructed buildings and were originally used as musical instruments. However since the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220) they have been used to tell the time. This site takes you back in time to old Beijing. Get Beijing Flights and Travel to Beijing now to visit this wonderful area.
When the towers were used to tell the time the bell would ring to signal that it was morning, while the drum signified dusk. During the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties (1271-1911) they played a vital role in the lives of Beijingers, as they had no other way of telling the time. As the towers were so important they were constructed in almost every city in China. However the ones in Beijing are the largest and highest. Traditionally the two towers should be next to each other however in Beijing they are opposite one another, lying on the north-south axis.
They are located in the Dongcheng district and are symbolic to this old city area. They were built in 1272, however they had to be rebuilt after experiencing two fires.
Bell Tower
The Bell Tower has the largest and heaviest bell in China. The Bell is 7.02m (23 feet) high and weighs an incredible 63 tons (138,891 pounds.) It creates a clear sound that travels great distances because it is made of copper.
Drum Tower
The Drum Tower is 100m (109 yards) to the south of the Bell Tower. It was built onto a 4m high (13 feet) stone and brick
base. The tower is 46.7m (153 feet) high, where as the Bell Tower is slightly taller at 47.9m (157 feet.) Originally there were 24 small drums and one large one within the tower. Today only the large one remains. The drum was beaten quickly for 18 times and then slowly for 18 times. The same was the case with the bell because in ancient times this demonstrated one year.
When the last emperor of China, called Pu Yi, left the Forbidden City the bells and drums stopped being used to tell the time. Fortunately nowadays they are used on Chinese New Years Eve. This is done to send a blessing to the Chinese people.
Located south of the Drum Tower are the original hutongs. These are picturesque side streets that are hundreds of years old. Beijing families have lived in this area for generations and it is fascinating to explore the old way of life. The street is called Yandai Xiejie, as ‘yandai’ is a Chinese pipe that was traditionally sold there. Today this street sells everything from traditional Chinese food to handcrafted items. If you want a Chinese tea set or beautiful silk items this is the place to go.
Next to Yandai Xiejie is Houhai Lake and Qianhai Lake. This is an idyllic place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Beijing. It is the perfect spot to admire the Bell and Drum Towers, through the willow trees. Children play while the elderly play cards and dominoes in the streets. Why not take a rickshaw ride around the lakes or hire a bike?
The Bell Tower is 15 CNY and the Drum Tower is 20 CNY. They are open all day and are very accessible. Just take Subway Line 2 and get off at Guloudajie at Exit B. Then walk south for 10 minutes.
Beijing Tours are an easy and affordable way to see the best of what Beijing has to offer, so book it now before time runs out!
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