Top 15 attractions in Beijing, China

Bell and Drum Towers（钟鼓楼）

Bell and Drum Towers [ldj.bjdch.gov.cn]

Situated in central Beijing and south of the northern section of the Second Ring Road, the Bell Towers and Drum Towers are prominent landmarks symbolizing the ancient capital city. Both structures were built in 1272 under the reign of Kublai Khan during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

Bells and drums were originally used as musical instruments in China, and later they were used for telling time. These towers stood at the very heart of the Yuan capital, known as Dadu. They used to be the time-telling center of the capital city during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties (1271-1911).

In both the Drum and Bell Towers, visitors can climb the steep stairways to the top to have a panoramic view over the city. Drum performances take place every hour in the Drum Tower.

Admission: Bell Tower: 15 yuan (US$2.37)/person

Drum Tower: 20 yuan (US$3.15)/person