Beijing - Bell and Drum Towers

Next to the Hutongs, were the Bell and Drum Towers.  These were built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty.  The function of the towers - by beating the drum and tolling the bell - was to tell time.  These towers were built along the central axis of Beijing city.  For those within the city, these helped them tell time, and know when the city gates would be shut.

A Tea Ceremony in the Bell Tower (we didn't see the bells actually), but the girls loved the tea!

The street scene between the two towers.

The Drum Tower.

A view of the Bell Tower from the neighboring Drum Tower.

And the stairs to get up to the Drum Tower.  And they were steep.

View from the Drum Tower ... and the haze.  Yes, this is a color picture.