Beijing's Top Sights - Beijing - page 180

» 6401 2674
» Zhonglouwan Hutong
» admission ¥20, combined Drum Tower ticket ¥30

» 9am-5pm, last tickets 4.40pm

» 5, 58 or 107

Along with the drums in the Drum Tower, the bells in the Bell Tower were used as
Běijīng's official timekeepers throughout the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and on until
1924. The Bell Tower looks the older of the two, perhaps because it isn't painted. In fact
both are of similar age. The Bell Tower was built, like the Drum Tower, during the Mon-
gol Yuan Dynasty, in 1272, and was rebuild in the 1440s after being destroyed in a fire.
This current structure was built in 1745.

Also like the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower can be climbed up an incredibly steep inner
staircase. But the views from the top are even better here, partly because the structure is
set back more deeply into the surrounding hútòng , and partly because you can get great
photos of the Drum Tower from its viewing balcony. Marvel too at the huge, 63-tonne bell
suspended in the pleasantly unrestored interior. Note how Chinese bells have no clappers
but are instead struck with a stout pole.

The Drum & Bell Sq, between the two towers, is a great people-watching area in which
to while away some time even if you don't climb either of the two towers. There are a
handful of excellent bars and cafes here too, some with rooftop views over the square.
Both towers are lit up beautifully come evening.