Bell Tower of Beijing

A grey brick tower at the northern end of the old central axis that, with its neighboring drum tower, once sounded the official hours across the imperial capital. The present structure dates to the eighteenth century and houses an enormous bronze bell whose deep tone reportedly carried for miles. A steep flight of stone steps leads to the upper chamber, from which visitors survey the surrounding lanes and courtyard rooftops. The tower anchors a lively square popular for evening strolls in the axial heritage zone.