These magnificent ancient towers have existed in various incarnations for 700 years. The Drum Tower houses replicas of 24 giant drums that were used to announce the time during imperial days. Today, the tower houses 25 drums that are struck for visitors every half-hour 9-11:30 am and 2-5 pm. The drum room offers a great view of the northern part of the city.
Just north of the Drum Tower is the Bell Tower—not to be confused with the Big Bell Temple. Inside is a 500-year-old bronze bell with 4-in-/10-cm-thick walls. Fees are 15 yuan for the Bell Tower and 20 yuan for the Drum Tower. During Spring Festival, visitors can ring the bell for 100 yuan a pop. 9-A Zhonglouwan (at the corner of Gulou Dajie and Dianmenwai Dajie), Dongcheng District, Beijing. Phone 8402-7869.