Beijing is a city renowned for its iconic attractions. When we last visited in 2019, our trip included seeing the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.
To be honest, we didn’t even know there was a Drum and Bell Tower in Beijing, which in reality is crazy since these types of monuments are famous in other cities like Xi’an.
However, at the far end of the central axis in Beijing, nestled away from the crowds of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, are two of the most underrated historical sites in the city, the Beijing Drum Tower and the Bell Tower. The two towers played an important part in the working day in ancient imperial Beijing.
Historically, the Drum and Bell Towers were used to mark time. Bells were rung at dawn, and drums were beaten at dusk, helping to regulate daily life and activities across the city.
In this blog post, we’ll explore these fascinating landmarks and why they deserve a spot on your Beijing itinerary.
The Drum Tower in Beijing
The Drum Tower, built in the 12th century, is a stunning example of ancient Chinese architecture.
The building has some fascinating displays located over two floors in this stunning building. Just as a word of warning, there are over 70 steps that are very steep and need climbing to access the second floor.
Our family was huffing and puffing when we reached the top. If you have mobility issues or are in a wheelchair, there is no way to access this area. Here are some highlights of what you can expect during your visit:
– UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Drum Tower and the Bell Tower were recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Previously, only the Forbidden City on the central axis was included on the UNESCO list.
– Multimedia Exhibits: Inside on the ground floor, you’ll find information boards, light shows and multimedia displays that bring the history of the tower to life.
The sound wall is where you could push buttons to hear the traditional sounds of Beijing, such as vendors selling goods like watermelons and sweet flour cakes.
– Traditional Demonstrations: On the second floor, you can see replicas of the original drums and live demonstrations of how the drums were played ( watch our Youtube Video to see this), providing a unique insight into the past.
Three people in traditional costumes man the drums and play them according to ancient times. It was quite an experience for all of us who where inside the tower at the time.
The whole thing lasts around 10 minutes. The display performance we witnessed was at 11 am. We suggest you ask the staff at the ticket counter what time the shows are on. In the past, the drums were played to signify certain times of the day and activities.
What was once a courtyard used for trade separates the Drum and Bell Tower. This area a few hundred meters long is used for recreation these days.
You will find locals in groups playing hacky sack, people flying kites and practising traditional dance. It’s quite the sight and well worth taking a break to witness how the locals spend their spare time in Beijing.
The Bell Tower is a Complementary Experience
Just a stone’s throw away from the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower was also part of Beijing’s ancient timekeeping system, where bells and drums were used to signal the time to the city’s residents.
The Bell Tower is not as big as the Drum Tower and lacks the same multimedia experience and exhibits that the Drum Tower had. You can participate in a 3D immersive experience on the ground floor before making your way up more steps, yes more steps.
As we puffed our way to the top, an 84-year-old grandmother followed us, showing us just how to do it at any age, it was truly impressive form.
At the top of the steps, you will find a massive bell called the Yongle Bell. It was cast during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, specifically in 1420. This makes the bell over 600 years old.
As stunning as the bell is, the Bell Tower is the poorer of the two towers. If the Bell Tower was not located adjacent to the Drum Tower, I would recommend you give it a miss. But since they are located together and you can buy a combo ticket, it’s worth looking at.
Unlike many of Beijing’s famous attractions, the Drum and Bell Towers are often less crowded, allowing for a far better experience. I would recommend getting there as early as possible just in case.
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– Affordable Entry: A combo ticket for both towers costs only 30 RMB, making it a budget-friendly option for travellers.
A Must-Visit in Beijing
The Beijing Drum and Bell Towers are not just historical sites, they are a great way to learn about the culture of Beijing. I actually had no idea how they used to tell the time and had never really thought of it till I visited these attractions in Beijing.
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Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique experience away from the tourist crowds, these towers are well worth a visit.
– Location: Central Beijing, easily accessible via public transport and from the Sunworld Wangfujing Hotel where we recommend you stay in Beijing.
– Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours. We left SunWorld hotel near Wangfujing and got there around 9.30 am and there were very few tourists around at that time.
Make sure to add the Drum and Bell Towers to your Beijing itinerary, it’s one of the less visited sites that showcases the city’s history and culture.
We hope our articles help you plan your Chinese vacation, but if you need help, Wyld Family Travel offers travel planning and consultation services. Just reach out to us at mark.wyld@wyldfamilytravel.com or bec.wyld@wyldfamilytravel.com