Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing
Building Historic Ming-era drum and bell towers in central Beijing
Two Ming and Yuan-era towers north of Beijing’s historic center-the Drum and Bell Towers-visited for rooftop views over the old hutongs and for demonstrations of traditional timekeeping instruments.
The Drum Tower (Gulou) and the Bell Tower (Zhonglou) are a paired set of historic timekeeping towers in northern central Beijing. They were erected and rebuilt during successive dynasties as the city’s official timekeepers, housing a large bell and an array of drums used to sound the hours.
Both structures articulate traditional Chinese timber architecture and offer internal exhibits about the instruments and the role of timekeeping in imperial Beijing. The towers have been reconstructed and restored at various points in their history and today function as museum-style sites with public access to upper levels.
They sit north of the Forbidden City, near the Shichahai and Houhai lake districts, and are surrounded by narrow hutongs and traditional courtyard housing. The area is a compact historic quarter within the central city.
- Views and climb: Climb either tower for elevated views over the surrounding hutongs and the central Beijing skyline; the Drum Tower provides especially good vantage points of the historic neighbourhoods.
How to Get to Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing #
Take Beijing Subway Line 2 to Gulou Dajie station (Exit C). The towers are a short walk northeast from the station; expect to navigate some narrow hutongs if coming from the Houhai area.
Tips for Visiting Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing #
- Climb the Drum Tower for the best view of the narrow hutongs and the grid of central Beijing - go late afternoon for the sunset glow.
- Time a visit for one of the timed drum or bell performances; they are short but evocative of imperial timekeeping.
- Enter via the north side near Gulou Dajie to avoid the busiest tourist approaches from Houhai.
Best Time to Visit Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing #
Best in spring or autumn for clear skies and comfortable walking conditions. Summers can be hot and humid; winters are bitterly cold.
Weather & Climate near Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing #
Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (569 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (201 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain.
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