Beijing Bell tower, Yuan dynasty bell tower in Dongcheng District, China
The Beijing Bell Tower is a Yuan-dynasty structure standing about 33 meters (108 feet) tall with grey stone walls and green glazed tiles, located in the old city district. Inside on the second floor sits an enormous bronze bell weighing roughly 63 tons, which forms the central feature of the building.
The tower was built in 1272 as Beijing's official timekeeper and served this role until 1924, ringing to mark morning and evening hours for the entire city. It worked in coordination with the neighboring Drum Tower to broadcast synchronized time signals across the urban area.
The bell tower rings 108 times each New Year's Eve, a practice rooted in Buddhist tradition that marks the turning of the year. Locals and visitors gather around the structure during this time, making it a focal point for celebration in the old city.
The best time to visit is during daytime when natural light shows the stone details and the tower's architecture clearly. Combination tickets sold at the nearby Drum Tower give access to both structures, allowing visitors to explore how these two towers worked together historically.
The bell inside reaches about 7 meters in height and is the largest of its kind in China, cast using ancient techniques perfected during the Yuan period. Its sheer size and the craftsmanship visible in the bronze details make it a remarkable example of historical metalwork.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
