The Drum Tower (鼓楼) is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Beijing, China. It was built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. The tower is a magnificent two-story wooden structure with a height of 47 meters, consisting of three parts: the base, the body, and the roof.
The Drum Tower was originally built to announce the time to the city residents, as well as to signal important events such as fires and enemy attacks. The tower contains a large drum, which was beaten to signal the time of day. In ancient times, this was a crucial task, as it helped people to organize their daily lives and conduct important business.
Today, the Drum Tower is a popular tourist attraction and a window into the city’s history. Visitors can climb the tower to take in panoramic views of the surrounding area, and also watch drumming performances that take place regularly throughout the day.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- History of Drum Tower
- Highlights of Drum Tower
- Vlog about Beijing Drum Tower
- Popular Restaurants near Drum Tower
- Photography Spots and Tips
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near the Drum Tower
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.30 – 17.30 (26th April – 25th October) 9.30 – 16.30 (26th October – 25th April the next year) |
Location and Transportation
The Drum Tower is located in the central district of Beijing. Its specific address is Gulou East Street, Di’anmenwai Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. The tower is situated just north of the famous Houhai Lake area and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Bus: Take bus 5, 60, 82,107, 124, or 135 and get off at the Drum Tower (鼓楼).
Subway: Take subway line 8, get off at Shichahai Station (什刹海), and walk about 200 meters to the north to reach the tower.
History of Drum Tower
The Drum Tower, located in the central district of Beijing, has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 13th century. It was originally built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty and was used to announce the time to the city residents, as well as to signal important events such as fires and enemy attacks.
The original Drum Tower was built entirely out of wood and was subsequently rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries. The current structure that stands today was built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, and its two-story wooden frame stands at a height of 47 meters.
In ancient times, the Drum Tower served an essential function in the daily lives of Beijing residents. Each day, drummers would climb up to the second level of the tower and beat the massive drum to signal the time of day. This helped people to organize their daily lives, conduct important business, and coordinate their activities.
In addition to its timekeeping function, the Drum Tower was also used as a military command center during times of war. Its elevated position allowed commanders to survey the city and respond quickly to any threats or attacks.
Over the years, the Drum Tower has undergone several restorations and renovations, with the most recent one taking place in the 1990s. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and an important symbol of Beijing’s cultural heritage.
Highlights of Drum Tower
Drumming Performances
The drumming performances feature skilled drummers playing large traditional Chinese drums, creating a powerful and captivating sound that reverberates throughout the tower and surrounding area. The drumming is done every hour (10.00, 11.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00), and the performance lasts around 15 minutes. Visitors can watch the drumming from the first floor of the tower, or climb to the top for a bird’s-eye view. The drumming performances are not only entertaining, but also offer a unique insight into traditional Chinese culture and music.
Panoramic Views
The Drum Tower of Beijing offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its top. Visitors who climb the steep stairs to the top of the tower will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding hutongs and the old city of Beijing. From this vantage point, visitors can see the intricate layout of the traditional courtyard houses, the ancient city walls, and the modern skyscrapers in the distance. The views are especially beautiful at sunrise, sunset, or in the evening when the city lights up.
Architecture and Design
The Drum Tower of Beijing is an impressive example of traditional Chinese architecture. Its unique design features two floors with double eaves, supported by intricate wooden brackets and beams. The tower is decorated with beautiful carvings and colorful paintings, showcasing the traditional Chinese style. The top floor of the tower houses the drumming platform, where large traditional drums are played to mark the time of day.
Surrounding Area
The Drum Tower of Beijing is located in the heart of the historic hutong neighborhood, surrounded by traditional courtyard houses, narrow alleyways, and bustling markets. Visitors to the area can take a stroll through the hutongs and explore the local shops, restaurants, and tea houses. Just a short walk away is the Bell Tower, another iconic landmark of the city. The Houhai Lake area is also nearby, offering a scenic spot for a leisurely boat ride or walk.
Vlog about Beijing Drum Tower
Popular Restaurants near Drum Tower
Beijing Traditional Snacks
| Restaurant | Average Price | Description | Recommended Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaoji Fried Liver (姚记炒肝) | ¥32 | Top spot for traditional fried liver | Fried liver, pork and scallion buns, fried sausages, braised dishes |
| Daoxiangcun (稻香村) | ¥55 | Renowned bakery with 300+ years of history | Pea cakes, jujube paste pastry, ox-tongue pastry, Sachima |
| Bao Du Zhang (爆肚张) | ¥59 | Famous for tripe dishes | Lamb tripe, mixed tripe, honeycomb tripe, mushroom heads |
| Cha Tang Li (茶汤李) | ¥46 | Known for thick tea soup | Tea soup, milk rolls, almond tea, cream fried cakes |
| Men Kuang Hutong (门框胡同) | ¥48 | Century-old spot for braised dishes | Braised dishes, fried sausages, mung bean cake |
| Baorui Mendin Meat Pie (宝瑞门钉肉饼) | ¥32 | High-value meat pies | Mendin meat pie, lamb spine, mung bean cake |
| Wuyutai Tea House (吴裕泰茶庄) | ¥24 | Fragrant jasmine tea ice cream | Jasmine tea ice cream, various tea products |
Beijing Traditional Restaurants
| Restaurant | Average Price | Description | Recommended Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaorou Ji (烤肉季) | ¥115 | Oldest and most famous barbecue restaurant | Grilled lamb, grilled meat strips, “he seems honey” |
| Yarli Ji (鸦儿李记) | ¥103 | Must-visit for traditional Beijing hotpot | Lamb spinal cord, Luxi beef, high-calcium lamb |
| Qingyun Lou (庆云楼饭庄) | ¥108 | 200-year-old restaurant serving Beijing and Shandong cuisine | Stir-fried pork tenderloin, braised intestines, deep-fried meatballs |
Trendy Food Spots
| Restaurant | Average Price | Description | Recommended Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chahua Nong (茶话弄) | ¥16 | Trendy milk tea shop from Xi’an | Meizhan Red Shake, Osmanthus Lead, Blooming Prosperity |
| Baoshifu (鲍师傅) | ¥52 | Long-standing popular pastry shop | Black truffle cake, water chestnut puffs, milk cake |
| Xiandou Guofu (仙豆菓夫) | ¥52 | Dessert shop known for long lines | Cheese box, taro cheese balls, tiger skin roll |
| Yangji BBQ (杨记烤肉) | ¥13 | Freshly grilled lamb skewers | Lamb skewers, lamb shank, lamb leg, lamb tendon |
| Meitan Village (梅潭村) | ¥42 | Famous for rich cheese egg yolk pastries | Taro milk roll, hedgehog cake, purple rice cake |
Photography Spots and Tips
1. Drum Tower West Street
- Location: Directly beneath the south side of the Drum Tower, towards the west.
- Description: The background features the Drum Tower, making it a perfect spot to lean against, hug, or pull on the columns for a unique shot.
2. Popular Drum Tower Sign
- Location: About 200 meters south of the Drum Tower, on the east side of the road, near the east entrance of Shichahai Metro Station.
- Description: This is one of the most popular spots with a queue, but the wait is worth it! Photos with the focus on either the person or the tower turn out great.
3. Red Wall Spot
- Location: A bit further west from the west street spot, near the turning point of the red wall.
- Description: The slanted red wall and grey tiles with the Drum Tower in the background create a picturesque, queue-free spot.
4. Distant View Spot at the Intersection
- Location: At the first intersection on the west side.
- Description: Another spot with no queue. Ensure to be cautious while crossing the street to capture a distant view of the Drum Tower.
5. Close-up View Spot at the Intersection
- Location: At the intersection in front of the Drum Tower.
- Description: Capturing a shot during a green light gives a dynamic and lively feel to your photos.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Drum Tower is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. The tower is also particularly beautiful at sunset.
Climbing the Tower: The Drum Tower has steep stairs that can be a bit challenging to climb, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time. However, the view from the top of the tower is definitely worth it. You can see the surrounding hutongs and old Beijing city from a unique perspective.
Exploring the Hutongs: The Drum Tower is located in the heart of the hutongs, which are narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard houses. Take some time to wander through the hutongs, and explore the local shops, tea houses, and restaurants. You can also take a rickshaw tour to get a more in-depth experience.
