The restrained gray-stone edifice of the Bell Tower (钟楼, Zhōnglóu) is just as charming as its resplendent other half, the Drum Tower. Mount the steep steps to get a look at the giant 60-ton copper bell on the 2nd floor. The Bell Tower marked the northern terminus of the Central Axis.
Along with the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower was Beijing’s official timekeeper throughout the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, until 1924. The bell was sounded in sequence together with the drums to mark the changes of the morning and night watches. Time was kept via a water clock (clepsydra), a copy of which is on display in the Drum Tower.
In between the two towers is a small square, a popular destination for spry elderly Beijingers to chat in the sun, play jianzi (similar to juggling a football, but instead using a weighted shuttlecock) and also perform ribbon dances.
Since 1990, the bell is rung once a year on December 31st.
Buy your ticket for the Bell Tower at the Drum Tower.
