The Drum Tower (Gulou) and Bell Tower (Zhonglou) were Beijing's official timekeepers for over six centuries, marking the hours from the Yuan dynasty (1272) until 1924. The current Drum Tower was rebuilt in 1420 and houses 24 large drums (only one original survives, dented and torn); the Bell Tower behind it was rebuilt in 1747 and holds a 63-tonne bronze bell. Both can be climbed via steep staircases (~70 steps each) for 360° views over the surrounding hutongs — the best place to see the gray-tile rooftop sea of old Beijing. Drum-beating demonstrations happen hourly. Located at the northern end of Beijing's historic central axis, they pair perfectly with a Shichahai (10 min walk south) or Nanluoguxiang (5 min walk east) visit. The square between the two towers is a local gathering spot — kite flying, hacky sack, music.
Address
9 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing
东城区钟楼湾胡同临字9号
Highlights
- Drum-Beating Demonstration (击鼓表演)Hourly — 5 minutes long; the drummers wear Qing-era robes
- 63-Tonne Bronze Bell (大铜钟)Bell Tower's 1747 bell, said to be audible 20 km away when struck
- Rooftop Hutong ViewClimb to the top for the best hutong sea panorama in Beijing
- Northern End of Central AxisSymbolic terminus of the Forbidden City's north-south spine
- Combine with Shichahai/Nanluoguxiang5-10 min walks; classic old-Beijing afternoon route
For foreign visitors
- English service: partial english
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Late afternoon, combine with Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: metro direct
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What travelers say (5 reviews)
Iris H.·TripAdvisor·4/5
Climb both for the views and the daily drumming performance (every 30 min). Bell Tower is taller — better photos.
2026-03-11
Beijing胡同迷·Xiaohongshu·5/5
钟鼓楼脚下的胡同特别有味道,烟袋斜街旁边就是后海。一下午能逛完整片老北京。
2026-02-26
Chris P.·Google Maps·4/5
These were the official timekeepers of Beijing in imperial times. Steep climb up the towers but the city panorama is worth it.
2026-04-17
Helen R.·TripAdvisor·5/5
Combine with Houhai lake and Nanluoguxiang for the perfect old-Beijing afternoon. Drum show times: 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00.
2026-01-29
OldBeijingFan·YouTube·4/5
Best view of the alleyways stretching south. Bring a wide-angle lens. Plaza in front is great for kite-flying with locals.
2026-03-02
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