Standing along the northern section of Beijing's historic Central Axis, the Drum Tower was first built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and, together with the Bell Tower, served as the timekeeping center of the capital throughout the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties (1271-1911).
Rising high on its platform, the grand timber structure is crowned with sweeping eaves. In centuries past, drums were beaten here to mark the watches of the night, setting the rhythm of time for the city.
More than 700 years later, after centuries of rebuilding and restoration, the Drum Tower still stands quietly, bearing witness to the changing times of Beijing.
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