Beijing Bell and Drum Towers Travel Guide: Through the Morning Bells and Evening Drums Across Time, Overlooking the Central Axis of Old Beijing

I. Why Visit the Bell and Drum Towers?

As the northern terminus of Beijing’s central axis, the Bell and Drum Towers stand in distant echo to the Tiananmen Gate at the southern end. Serving as the official timekeeping center during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, they once regulated the daily rhythm of the imperial capital through resonant bell and drum sounds. Today, climbing these towers offers a panoramic view of the glistening waters of Shichahai, the continuous grey-tiled hutongs, and the skyline of modern Beijing—making it an unparalleled spot to experience the temporal interplay of old and new Beijing.

II. Essential Information

Address: Linzi No.9, Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Opening Hours:

• Peak Season (April–October): 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Off-Season (November–March): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)Tickets (Purchasable on-site only):
• Drum Tower: ¥20
• Bell Tower: ¥15
• Combined Ticket: ¥30International visitors are recommended to purchase the combined ticket for a complete experience.Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours (Climb the towers before dusk for optimal photography lighting)

III. Bell and Drum Towers Beijing Travel Guide Must-Do Experiences

Climb the Drum Tower · Hear the Vicissitudes in Drum Beats

• The tower houses 25 night-watch drums (1 main drum + 24 secondary drums), symbolizing the 24 solar terms.
• Timed drum performances are held daily (approx. 5 sessions, with increased frequency in peak season). The deep, resonant drumbeats create a profoundly moving experience.
• The second-floor viewing platform is a classic spot for photographing Shichahai and the Nanluoguxiang area.

Ascend the Bell Tower · Gaze at the “King of Ancient Bells”

• Suspended within the tower is a 63-ton bronze bell from the Ming Dynasty, the heaviest surviving ancient bronze bell in China.
• Climb the steep stairs (nearly 75° incline with narrow steps—please exercise caution). From the top, the northward view of the Bird’s Nest and southward vista of the Forbidden City along the central axis are spectacular.

Capture “The Story of Time”

• The first floor of the Drum Tower features a permanent digital exhibition, “The Story of Time”, which uses light and shadow technology to showcase ancient timekeeping techniques. It is highly recommended for families with children.

Bell and Drum Towers Square · Immerse in Local Life

Sit on the square benches, watch the setting sun gild the grey brick towers, and savor the poetic charm of the “morning bells and evening drums.”

IV. In-Depth Surrounding Activities

Hutong Walking Route (approx. 2 hours)

Bell and Drum Towers → Yandai Xiejie (Tobacco Pouch Slant Street) → Silver Ingot Bridge at Shichahai → Houhai Bar Street

• Rent a vintage bicycle along the way to explore courtyard homestays and cafes hidden in the hutongs.
• Hidden Gem: Wander through the small hutongs west of the Drum Tower to find filming locations from the movie Mr. Six.

Food Guide

1. Gulou Mantou Shop (East Street of Drum Tower): A local favorite for bean buns and sugar triangles (often with long queues).
2. Yao’s Chaogan (at the foot of the Drum Tower): Try classic old Beijing snacks—chaogan (stewed liver), luzhu (stewed pork intestines and tofu), and steamed buns.
3. Ku Jin Bar (next to the Drum Tower): The rooftop terrace offers a perfect photo opportunity of “the Drum Tower with a cup of coffee.”
4. Chatang Li (Yandai Xiejie): Enjoy intangible cultural heritage chatang (millet gruel) and mendding roubing (door-nail meat pies).

Night Experience

• Houhai Bar Street, just 500 meters away, offers live music performances in the evenings.
• The Drum Tower’s night lighting (illuminated after approx. 7:00 PM) casts a magical glow on its red walls and green tiles.

V. Travel Tips

Transportation

• Subway: Line 8, Shichahai Station, Exit A2 → 5-minute walk.
• Bus: Routes 5/60, get off at Gulou Station → directly outside the towers.Avoid morning and evening rush hours (8:00–9:30 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM) as the surrounding hutongs are prone to congestion.

Accessibility Note

The Bell and Drum Towers have steep stairs with no elevators. Visitors with limited mobility or heavy luggage are advised to explore only the square area.

Photography Tips

• The arched windows on the second floor of the Drum Tower provide a classic framed view of the Bell Tower.
• Shooting southward from the Bell Tower at dusk yields stunning warm-toned photos of the central axis.

Cultural Etiquette

Please remain quiet during drum performances to respect the display of traditional culture.

VI. Recommended Itinerary Combinations

1. Half-Day Cultural Tour: Bell and Drum Towers → Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy (2 subway stops) → Dinner at Wudaoying Hutong.
2. Full-Day Central Axis Hike: Temple of Heaven → Qianmen Street → Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City & Jingshan Park → Bell and Drum Towers (sunset view).
3. Family-Friendly Relaxed Tour: Bell and Drum Towers Digital Exhibition → Hutong Rickshaw Tour at Shichahai → Boating at Beihai Park.

VII. One-Sentence Recommendation

“The morning bells and evening drums have faded with the wind, but climbing these ancient brick towers still allows you to hear the heartbeat of Beijing over six centuries.”

🕒 Time passes, but the echoes of the Bell and Drum Towers are forever etched in Beijing’s memory.

Take this guide and go touch the most authentic pulse of the city!