Bell and Drum Towers
China
The path leads us to the magnificent Bell and Drum Towers. We'll pause in the square to admire their illuminated grandeur and hear the stories of how they once governed time for the ancient city.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Bell and Drum Towers
Welcome to the northern terminus of old Beijing's central axis. Before us stand the Drum Tower, known as Gu-lou, and the Bell Tower, or Zhong-lou. …
Listen in the app2The Drum Tower (Gu-lou): Rhythms of the Night
Let us approach the Drum Tower, a massive wooden structure that sits on a high brick plinth. Its architectural style is typical of the Yuan and Ming dynasties, featuring multi-eaved roofs and intricate decorative brackets known…
Listen in the app3The Bell Tower (Zhong-lou) and the King of Bells
Directly north of the Drum Tower sits its quieter, yet equally impressive companion: the Bell Tower. Unlike the wooden Drum Tower, the Bell Tower we see today is constructed primarily of stone and brick, a design choice made…
Listen in the app4The Haunting Legend of the Bell Maker's Daughter
Every great monument has its ghost, and the Bell Tower is no exception. Legend tells a poignant story of the local craftsman tasked by the emperor to cast the great bell. …
Listen in the app5Community Life: The Pulse of the Square
Step back into the open square between the towers to experience the 'strong sense of community' that defines this neighborhood. In most public parks or areas like these in Beijing, you will find a free outdoor gym, which has…
Listen in the app6Yandai Xiejie: The Long Stem Pipe Lane
Branching off from the main towers is Yan-dai Xie-jie, an alley whose name translates to 'Tobacco-Pipe Inclined Street.' This is one of the oldest and most famous commercial hu-tongs in the city. Its name is derived from its…
Listen in the app7A Moment of Repose: Cafe by Alba and Local Flavors
After the sensory intensity of the towers and the busy lanes, one often seeks a 'warm and cozy' place to reflect. Nearby, you will find Cafe by Alba, a French-style establishment that has become a favorite for both locals and…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our visit to the Bell and Drum Towers, I hope you have gained an appreciation for the 'wealth of history and culture' that these structures represent. They are more than just landmarks; they are the anchors of old…
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What is Bell and Drum Towers?
Bell and Drum Towers is a place in China with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | China |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.9413, 116.3959 |
| Last updated |
