Bell & Drum Towers
The medieval timekeepers of Beijing's old city. Climb the Bell Tower's 45-meter height for the best panorama of grey-tiled hutong rooftops in the capital, and visit the Drum Tower's enormous 25-ton drum that once marked the hours across the city.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
The Bell & Drum Towers are Beijing's best-kept secret viewpoint. From the top of the 45-meter Bell Tower you get the definitive panorama of the old city's grey-tiled hutong rooftops stretching to Jingshan and the Forbidden City — the same view you have seen in a thousand Beijing photographs, but from the middle of it.
For nearly 700 years these towers announced the hours across the capital — the drum by night, the bell at dawn. Climbing them is a short, steep, utterly rewarding step into Beijing's medieval timekeeping, with the Drum Tower's drum performances adding a live soundtrack.
What to Expect
The two towers stand 100 meters apart at the northern edge of the old city. The Bell Tower is the taller (45 meters) with the better panorama; the Drum Tower, lower and squarer, houses the huge drums and a 25-ton bronze bell.
The climb is the thing — steep wooden staircases with no elevator, but the reward at the top is the single best hutong-rooftop view in Beijing. Below you, the grey-tiled roofs of the drum-and-bell neighborhood stretch to Jingshan and the Forbidden City beyond.
The Drum Tower hosts short percussion performances through the day — a dramatic burst of drumming that echoes through the hall and is over in a few minutes. It is included in the entry and worth timing for.
The neighborhood around the towers is itself the attraction: Nanluoguxiang's hutong lanes to the south, the Houhai lake district to the west, and street food everywhere. The towers are the anchor of one of Beijing's best walking areas.
From the Bell Tower's top, looking south over the grey-tiled hutong roofs toward Jingshan and the Forbidden City — especially around 5pm in autumn when the light turns golden. The Drum Tower's north courtyard also frames a classic bell-tower shot.
| Ticket Price | CNY 30 |
| Duration | 1-1.5 hours |
| Nearest Subway | Shichahai (Line 8), Exit A |
| Best Season | Spring, Autumn |
| Best For | All visitors, including families |
Must-See Highlights
- Bell Tower rooftop panorama
- 25-ton Great Bell
- Drum Tower drum performances
- Hutong rooftops view
How to Get There
Take Line 8 to Shichahai station (Exit A). The attraction entrance is a short walk from the station.
Beijing subway operates from approximately 5am to 11pm daily. Fares range from CNY 3 to 9. English signage and announcements are available on all lines.
How to Spend Your Time
- 1
Climb the Bell Tower first for the panorama, then the Drum Tower.
- 2
Time the Drum Tower drum performance (last show around 4:45pm).
- 3
Wander the hutong rooftops view from the Bell Tower's top.
- 4
Finish with jianbing and street snacks in the surrounding lanes.
Insider\u2019s Tip
Climb the Bell Tower first (fewer steps, better view), then the Drum Tower for the drum demonstration. Time the drum performance — the last one is around 4:45pm, so aim to be at the Drum Tower by 4:30pm.
A Bit of History
The Drum Tower was first built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty, and the Bell Tower followed in 1420 under the Ming. For nearly 700 years they announced the hours across Beijing — the drum at night, the bell at dawn. The current structures were rebuilt after fires, with the 25-ton bronze bell cast in 1420.
Beat the Crowds
Most visitors arrive late morning. Go at opening (9am) or late afternoon (4pm) when the crowds thin and the light over the hutong rooftops is golden.
Where to Eat Nearby
The towers sit at the north end of Nanluoguxiang and near the Houhai lake district — perfect for jianbing and street snacks in the hutongs, or Guijie (Ghost Street) a 15-minute walk east for serious late-night food.
Best Photo Spot
From the Bell Tower's top, looking south over the grey-tiled hutong roofs toward Jingshan and the Forbidden City — especially around 5pm in autumn when the light turns golden. The Drum Tower's north courtyard also frames a classic bell-tower shot.
Good to Know
- Entry is CNY 30 for both towers.
- Nearest subway is Shichahai, Line 8, Exit A — a 5-minute walk.
- There is no elevator — the Bell Tower climb is steep, so it suits active visitors.
- Late afternoon (4-5pm) is the golden window for light and smaller crowds.
- Combine with Nanluoguxiang and Houhai for a full old-city walking day.
Bell & Drum Towers: Frequently Asked Questions
Which tower has the better view?
The Bell Tower, at 45 meters, offers the higher and more famous panorama over the hutong rooftops toward Jingshan and the Forbidden City. The Drum Tower's view is still excellent and closer to the action.
Are the drum performances worth it?
Yes — the Drum Tower runs short percussion shows several times daily, and the sound in the wooden hall is striking. The last performance is usually around 4:45pm, so plan to be there by 4:30pm.
How long does a visit take?
About an hour for both towers including the drum show. Add another hour to wander the surrounding hutongs and Houhai lake.
Is the climb hard?
The Bell Tower has steep wooden stairs with no lift — a challenge but short (a few minutes). If mobility is a concern, the Drum Tower's climb is gentler.