Overview:

The Drum and Bell Towers in Beijing In China are two of the oldest and most significant historical sites in Beijing, located on the northern side of the city. The Drum Tower was built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty, and the Bell Tower was built in 1297 during the early Ming Dynasty. Both of these towers were used to signify the start and end of the day’s work for the city’s inhabitants. The Bell Tower also served as the symbolic center of Beijing for centuries. The area surrounding the two towers is known as Zhong Lou or the Banners’ Street, and is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Beijing. The towers were originally connected by a special bridge called the Palace Moat Bridge which was built in 1539 but has since been destroyed and replaced by the more modern Bell Tower Bridge. The two towers feature a variety of Chinese-style architecture, especially in their multiple layers of eaves, and they are also adorned with exquisite carvings and paintings. Inside the Bell Tower, visitors can see the bell that was cast in 1420 and which is still in use. Visitors can also climb the tower for panoramic views of Beijing. Inside the Drum Tower, visitors can see multiple layers of wooden drums hanging from the ceiling and can enjoy a performance of traditional Chinese music. Additionally, visitors will find a museum called the Beijing Folklore Museum located inside the Drum Tower. The museum features exhibits about the history of Beijing’s folk culture, traditions, costumes, and more. Overall, the Drum and Bell Towers in Beijing In China are an important part of Beijing’s history and culture, and a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about the city’s past. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

, the Drum and Bell towers are a renowned landmark located in the historic city of Beijing. These two towers, built in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, feature a unique blend of Ming and Qing architectural styles and are composed of two disjoint structures—the drum tower and the bell tower. The Drum Tower, located in the north east corner of the old city, is a two-storey structure that houses 24 drums, which were used to announce the time of the day—from dawn to dusk. Each drum would be struck at least twice a day and the time was marked by different rhythms. The Belt Tower, located just to the west of the Drum Tower, is taller and features an enormous bronze bell, which was used to mark the hour, and it could be heard up to 10 miles away. The Towers are still a major attraction and provide a stunning view of the city. They are surrounded by many historical sites, including the Forbidden City and the Lama Temple, making them a must-see destination for anyone visiting Beijing. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

, Drum and Bell Towers have existed since the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). The towers were initially made of wood but during the reign of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), the materials were replaced by stone and bricks. The Drum and Bell Towers were built as a way to communicate - one of the towers was fitted with drums and the other with bells. During the day, the Bell Tower would sound the alarm for sunrise and the Drum Tower for sunset. During the night, the Bell Tower would sound at regular intervals to show the time, and the Drum Tower would alert the people for curfew. The Drum and Bell Towers have been divided, moved and rebuilt numerous times throughout their history. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, their locations were shifted further away from the center of the city to make room the Imperial Palace. Starting from the 19th century, the Drum and Bell Towers started to fade from prominence as the advent of more modern transportation systems meant that their time-telling functions were no longer needed. Today, the Drum and Bell Towers are two of the most famous tourist attractions in Beijing. They have been renovated and restored to resemble their former glory and now stand in a complex in the heart of the city. Every day, hundreds of tourists flock to the complex to witness these iconic ancient structures and take part in the traditional ceremonies held there. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

, the Drum and Bell towers have served as timekeepers for Beijing for centuries. The Drum Tower is located in the northern part of the Beijing city and is adjacent to the Gulou (Drum and Bell Street). The Drum Tower was built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). According to legend, the drums were used to signal the time of the day, keeping the citizens of Beijing in sync with the rising and setting of the sun. The Bell Tower of Beijing was built in 1636 during the Ming Dynasty and stands right next to the Drum Tower. This giant bell tower was also used to mark the times of the day and according to legend, it was rung twice a day at the time of sunrise and sunset. The Drum and Bell Towers are two of the most beloved attractions in Beijing. Tourists who visit the city are usually wowed by the combination of old and new sights and sounds they experience. Even today, both towers are still operational and are often used during local celebrations and traditional festivals. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era