[Photo via VCG]

The Drum and Bell Towers, located at the northernmost point of the Central Axis, are both listed as "Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level". The towers stand in the old city's residential and commercial center, with the Drum Tower to the south of the Bell Tower. Historically, the Drum Tower was used for timekeeping and the Bell Tower for telling time. Today's Bell Tower was a reconstruction in the Qing Dynasty, while its enormous bell was cast in the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. Situated in the south of the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower was built in the Ming Dynasty and now is known for its exhibition of large drums and regular performance.

The Drum and Bell Towers are historical sightseeing spots and great places for the public to overlook the city.

Address: No. 9 (temporary number), Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality

Opening hours: 9:30–17:30, peak season (April 26–October 25). The ticket packages and single tickets for the Drum and Bell Towers can be purchased before 16:30 and 17:00, respectively, on the day; tickets can be purchased online before 15:30 on the day; last entry at 17:20).

Off-season (October 26–April 25), 9:30–16:30 (The ticket packages and single tickets for the Drum and Bell Towers can be purchased before 15:30 and 16:00, respectively, on the day; tickets can be purchased online before 16:30 on the day; last entry at 16:20).

During the Spring Festival, the May Day holiday, and the National Day holiday, the time for ticket sales, entry, and closing of the Drum and Bell Towers will be half an hour later than normal.

Tickets: Drum Tower, full ticket CNY 20, half ticket CNY 10. Bell Tower, full ticket CNY 15, half ticket CNY 7. Ticket package CNY 30, half ticket CNY 15.

Official tel: (8610)84027869, (8610)84036706

(Source: Cloud Central Axis Mini Program, Beijing Drum and Bell Towers WeChat Official Account)