Beijing Bell and Drum Towers are a group of ancient buildings with grand and magnificent sights in the north of Beijing. As the telling time center during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties  (1271-1911), the towers boast a time-honored history.

The Drum Tower was made of wood with a height of 46.7meters. The telling time instrument in the Bell Tower was made during the Ming Dynasty. It is as tall as 5.5 meters and as heavy as 63 tons. The big bell is famous in the world for its royal position, first-class technique, and unique style of hanging and telling time function. It is the heaviest and biggest copper bell in China. It can produce long and heavy sound. In the three dynasties, it was beaten 108 times every two hours from 19:00 to 3:00 at night.

Further Information:

Address: Drum Tower Street, Beijing

Bus Route: Bus No. 5, 60, 107, 124, 815, 819, 843 or subway to Drum Tower Street, and then walk southwards

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

Nearby Sights: ShiChaHai Scenic Area, Guozijian, Confucius Temple, Palace of Harmony, Luogu South Lane Siheyuan under protection

Admission: 10 yuan for the Bell Tower and 20 yuan for the Drum Tower

Tel: 8610-84036706

(China.org.cn August 25, 2005)