Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Beijing attracts numerous tourists each year. These 2 structures together are among the popular Beijing tourist attractions. The drum tower is known as the "Gulou", and the bell tower "Zhonglou". Visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Beijing for a glimpse into the history of the Chinese capital.
The drum tower or Gulou is located at the northern end of the central axis of the Inner City. It lies to the north of Di'anmen Street. The bell tower or Zhonglou is located close to the drum tower and behind it. Beijing Bell Tower and Drum Tower were constructed mainly for musical purposes, though later they were used to announce time. They are now primarily tourist attractions.
In ancient China bells and drums were used as musical instruments. They were later used to announce time. These acted as watches for officials as well as the common people. During the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower were the center for telling the time. These 2 were rendered completely useless when the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty left the Forbidden City. Though they are of no use now, you can still hear these ancient timepieces ring.
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Beijing go back a long time in history. The drum tower was constructed during the reign of Kublai Khan in 1272. It was set in the middle of the Yuan capital Khanbaliq. It was at that time known as the Tower of orderly Administration. It went through various reconstructions under the Ming and Qing emperors. The name of this building was changed to the Tower of Realizing Shamefulness in 1924. The upper story is now converted to People's Cultural Hall of the East City District.
Both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Beijing have similar architectures. The drum tower is 47 meters high, has 2 floors and is made of wood. The upper storey used to house 24 drums once, of which only one remains. The bell tower is 33 meters high and sports gray walls and a glazed green roof.
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