Bell and Drum tower 钟鼓楼

The Bell and Drum Towersare located on the northeast bank of Shichahai Lake, an area filled with prosperous commercial streets since the period of Dadu of the Yuan dynasty. The Bell Tower sits to the north, surrounded by walls that are arranged in a diamond shape. The Drum Tower sits to the south, also encircled by walls in the shape of a diamond. A rectangular square connects the two towers. The Bell and Drum Towers stand tall in the traditional neighborhoods of Beijing. With their large volume and height, they are the most imposing structures in the old city's inner city area with commanding views over the northern section of Beijing Central Axis.The Bell and Drum Towers were built in 1420, following the tradition of Dadu of the Yuan dynasty to tell the hour of the day with a bell tower and a drum tower in the city center. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the emperors exercised their imperial authority to manage and control urban life with the Bell and Drum tolling every day. The