Is the Drum and Bell Tower worth visiting?

Yes, if you want the best rooftop view over Beijing's gray-tiled hutong sea. Both towers are climbable via steep stairs, and the hourly Drum-Beating demonstration (drummers in Qing-era robes) is a genuine highlight. They sit at the northern end of the historic central axis, an easy add-on to a Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang afternoon.

How do I get to the Drum and Bell Towers and do I need to book?

No booking needed. The towers are metro-accessible and a short walk from Shichahai lake (about 10 minutes) and Nanluoguxiang alley (about 5 minutes). Buy tickets at the gate; bring cash, as the site is cash-only. Combining all three on foot is the classic old-Beijing walking route.

How long do I need at the Drum and Bell Towers?

About 1.5 hours covers both towers comfortably, including the climbs, a drum-beating demonstration, and time on the rooftop for photos. Add more if you linger in the lively square between the two towers, where locals fly kites, play hacky sack, and gather around impromptu music.

Drum & Bell Towers, Beijing: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Yuan dynasty timekeeping towers at the northern end of Beijing's central axis — climbable for hutong rooftop views.

At a glance

What it is: Landmark
Also known as: 鼓楼·钟楼 (Gǔ Lóu · Zhōng Lóu)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Late afternoon, combine with Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 9 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing · 东城区钟楼湾胡同临字9号

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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.

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

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Climb the Drum Tower for the rooftop view, then the Bell Tower for the photo back toward it along the axis.
▸Time your arrival to catch the drum-beating demonstration on the hour rather than waiting up top.
▸Late afternoon light over the gray hutong roofs is far better than harsh midday for photos.
▸The square between the towers is free to wander even if you skip climbing; great for people-watching.
▸Walk five minutes east to Nanluoguxiang or ten south to Shichahai to chain a whole old-Beijing afternoon.
▸The staircases are steep with roughly 70 steps each and no lift; wear stable shoes.
▸Carry cash; the site does not take cards, and small hutong shops nearby often don't either.

Photos

A stone wall with a building in the background

Zhengyangmen tower's historic architecture illuminated at twilight in Beijing, China.

Tranquil night scene of the Northwest Tower at Beijing's Forbidden City reflecting on the water.

brown and black temple near body of water during daytime

Low angle view of the Summer Palace's Tower of Buddhist Incense in Beijing, China, under a blue sky.

A large body of water with a tower in the middle of it

View of the iconic Zhengyangmen Gate Tower under a clear blue sky with vibrant green trees.

Stunning night view of traditional Chinese architecture beautifully lit.

A stunning view of the Tower of Buddhist Incense at the Summer Palace, Beijing.

A breathtaking night view of Beijing's architecture with reflections on the water.

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

Frequently asked questions about Drum & Bell Towers

Is the Drum and Bell Tower worth visiting?: Yes, if you want the best rooftop view over Beijing's gray-tiled hutong sea. Both towers are climbable via steep stairs, and the hourly Drum-Beating demonstration (drummers in Qing-era robes) is a genuine highlight. They sit at the northern end of the historic central axis, an easy add-on to a Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang afternoon.
How do I get to the Drum and Bell Towers and do I need to book?: No booking needed. The towers are metro-accessible and a short walk from Shichahai lake (about 10 minutes) and Nanluoguxiang alley (about 5 minutes). Buy tickets at the gate; bring cash, as the site is cash-only. Combining all three on foot is the classic old-Beijing walking route.
How long do I need at the Drum and Bell Towers?: About 1.5 hours covers both towers comfortably, including the climbs, a drum-beating demonstration, and time on the rooftop for photos. Add more if you linger in the lively square between the two towers, where locals fly kites, play hacky sack, and gather around impromptu music.