Located to the north of Beijing-south axis line in Dongcheng District, Bell and Drum Towers represent the symbol of this old city and are the famous scenic spots for Beijing Travel. At past, both towers were used to announce important things from the emperor and to indicate time. 

Bell Tower
Bell Tower is a two-story tower standing 47.9 meters in height and covers an area of more than 6,000 square meters. Inside Bell Tower, there has water clock that used for giving the sign of day and night. The officer will hit the bell in the certain time and all the people in the city can hear the bell ring which matching with actual time. As the time goes by, the clock inside the tower had change become a mechanic clock. It makes the bell automatically ring in the certain time without being hit by the officer. Because the tower still have a good function and government always take a good care of them, so till now, the ring of the bell still be heard around the area.

Drum Tower
Drum Tower is located 100 meters south to the Bell Tower. Its massive three-floor construction of tiled roofs today offers a pretty viewpoint over the old parts of Beijing. On view is a large collection of drums, including the large and dilapidated Night Watchman's Drums and a big array of reproduction drums. Originally there were 25 watch drums here, and damage to the drums is blamed on allied forces that quelled the Boxers back in 1900. There is also an analysis of the ancient Chinese seasonal divisions and an exhibition relating to old Beijing. Today, replicated renditions of the old Ming drum sessions can be seen at the Tower if you stop by at the right time. When ascending or descending the Drum Tower, watch out for slippery steps.

The unique and antique architecture of the buildings has also be the characteristics that attract tourists to come visit both towers. Usually with a Hutong rickshaw tour, you could see both towers.