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Timekeepers of Ancient China: Explore Beijing’s Bell and Drum Towers

By Théophile Niyitegeka
On 12 June 2024 at 02:26

Amidst the vibrant rhythm of Beijing’s bustling streets, two majestic towers stand tall, their silhouettes etched against the skyline, whispering tales of an era long past. The Bell and Drum Towers, once the keepers of time, rise gracefully along the city’s north-south axis, embodying the spirit of Beijing’s rich historical tapestry.

Built in 1272 and reborn from the ravages of two devastating fires, these iconic structures were more than architectural wonders; they were the very heartbeat of the capital during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties (1271-1911), regulating the rhythm of daily life for centuries.

Originally, the bell and drum were not intended for timekeeping. These instruments served as musical accompaniments, echoing the melodies of ancient China. However, as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220), their role evolved into something far more essential. The phrase "a morning bell and a dusk drum" became ingrained in the cultural lexicon, signifying their importance in helping people navigate the passage of time.

In ancient times, telling the time by them played an important role in helping Chinese people live and work regularly when there was no other means to keep track of the time.

As a result, these towers became public architectural landmarks and were widely constructed in almost every city throughout the country since the Han Dynasty.

Thus, the towers that housed these instruments became integral public structures, their unique fore-and-aft alignment in Beijing setting them apart from the traditional side-by-side arrangement found elsewhere.

The Bell Tower, a striking brick and stone edifice, commands attention with its two floors, each adorned with arched doors on all four sides. Visitors ascend via stone stairs to the second floor, where stone windows offer glimpses of the city’s expanse.

Here, the largest and heaviest bell in China resides, a colossal copper creation standing 23 feet (7.02 meters) tall and weighing 63 tons. Its resonant, clear sound, produced by two 2-yard-long (2 meters) wooden logs, once echoed across Beijing, marking the hours with a timeless clarity.

South of the Bell Tower, 110 yards (91 meters) away, stands the Drum Tower, perched on a 13-foot-high (4 meters) stone and brick base. Slightly shorter than its counterpart at 153 feet (46.7 meters), it nonetheless exudes a commanding presence. The Drum Tower’s first floor now houses the China Committee for the Promotion of Minority Art, while the second floor serves as an exhibition area.

Historically, this tower contained one large drum and 24 smaller ones; today, only the large drum remains. The intricate rhythm of 108 tolls—three rounds of 18 quick beats followed by 18 slow beats—symbolized a year in ancient times, marking time with a profound significance.

The practice of using the bell and drum for timekeeping ceased after Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, left the Forbidden City. Yet, in a poignant revival of tradition, the bell’s melodious chime returned on New Year’s Eve in 1990, followed by the drum’s resonant beat on New Year’s Eve in 2001. Since January 1, 2002, the drum has been struck four times daily, each session lasting 15 minutes. On every New Year’s Eve, both the bell and drum are struck 108 times, sending a blessing to the people of Beijing and connecting the modern city with its ancient roots.

Throughout their storied history, the Bell and Drum Towers have witnessed the ebb and flow of Beijing’s fortunes. During the Yuan Dynasty, they stood behind the imperial palace, overlooking a bustling downtown district. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the area in front of the Drum Tower had become Beijing’s busiest shopping street. During the Republican Period, the space between the towers teemed with impoverished individuals, handicraft merchants, and snack vendors, creating a vibrant marketplace that drew people from all walks of life.

Today, despite being dwarfed by Beijing’s modern skyscrapers, the Bell and Drum Towers remain the tallest structures in their vicinity, offering breathtaking views of the city’s traditional hutong neighborhoods. The Bell Tower’s 360-degree panoramic view captivates visitors, while the Drum Tower features hourly drum performances that enthrall with their rhythmic precision. However, the ascent to these vantage points requires climbing about 70 steep steps, a challenge not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Between the towers lies a small square, a gathering place where local elders and children from the surrounding hutongs come together, especially in the evenings. Here, amidst the echoes of history, visitors can immerse themselves in the charming local atmosphere, often visiting the towers before or after exploring the narrow alleyways of the hutongs.

Today, despite being dwarfed by modern skyscrapers, the Bell and Drum Towers remain the tallest structures in their vicinity, offering stunning views.
The Drum Tower features hourly drum performances that enthrall visitors with their rhythmic precision, a testament to Beijing’s rich cultural heritage.
The small square between the two buildings serves as a gathering place for people from different age brackets where visitors can immerse themselves in the charming local atmosphere.
Between the towers lies a small square, a gathering place for local elders and children, where visitors can immerse themselves in the charming local atmosphere.
The Drum Tower offers a unique glimpse into the city’s historical roots.
Visitors inside the exhibition hall of the Drum Tower exploring how ancient time keeping devices functioned.
The climb to the towers' vantage points requires ascending about 70 steep steps, a challenge not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Historically, this tower contained one large drum and 24 smaller ones. Today, only the large drum remains.
Every New Year’s Eve, both the bell and drum are struck 108 times, sending blessings to the people of Beijing and connecting the city to its ancient traditions.
The view of the Bell Tower in Beijing.

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