Bells sounds for protection of Drum Tower

An NGO is asking for a government plan to spice up the Drum and Bell Tower to be publicly approved before construction begins.

The Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP) issued a statement on Tuesday calling for the replacement of a governmental redevelopment plan that affects the Drum and Bell Tower, after a recent forum to protect the historic monument was cancelled at the last minute.

According to the CHP, a government investment of 5 billion yuan was earmarked to convert 12.5 hectares of land, both above and below ground, into a "Beijing Time Cultural City" that included a shopping mall and museum.