Beijing Hotels and the Drum and Bell Towers: Sights and Sounds of a Fascinating City

As the seat of the country's power, Beijing has been filled with many interesting imperial structures which serve both as defenses and as grand halls used to welcome different guests from foreign lands. The emperor was very important in the daily affairs of the state since under him, the Chinese people fulfilled their duties. Known as the "Son of Heaven," he does most of the responsibilities needed to protect the empire.

At present, we could see a number of Beijing hotels standing alongside these man-made marvels. These structures are testaments on how old world charm harmoniously blends with new-age improvements. Truly, we should understand our past for us to fulfill our future. The country's image as an emerging power in the world stage was due to the efforts of great Chinese men in the past.

We remind you not to miss these wonderful sights if you are checked in at the wonderful Beijing hotels. Since the Great Wall of China has already been known the world over, then you should visit other sites such as the Drum and Bell towers.

The Gulou, or the city's drum tower, can be found at the northern end of the central axis of the Inner City. Originally built for musical reasons, then a time-telling edifice, it is now a famous tourist attraction. It is made up of two storeys and stands at 47 meters. Only one out of the 24 drums used in the ancient times can be seen today.

The Zhonglou, or the bell tower, can be seen very close to the drum tower. Both these towers were good vantage points in ancient Beijing since they were then the tallest structures. This is a 33-meter-high edifice with gray walls and a green glazed roof.

The Drum tower was built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan. In 1420, the building was reconstructed to the east of the original site and in 1800, large-scale renovations were carried out. After a century, the Bell and Drum towers were finally opened to tourists in the 1980s.

Musical instruments such as bells and drums were later used to tell time in ancient China. They also served as watches for both officials and commoners alike. These two towers held significant roles in telling the time during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. An interesting fact is that until now, you can still hear the rings of these ancient timepieces. In this modern age, people who stay in Beijing hotels or in their respective homes have already wristwatches which help them perform their tasks throughout the day.

These two structures are truly important pieces in Beijing's history. We can definitely say that time is very important. This is the reason why it is vital to book your capacious rooms in any of the Beijing hotels for you to start an experience that you'll never forget!

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

About the Author

E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Sariz International Beijing Hotel and many other beijing hotels. Go to his website on the Sariz International Hotel here.

by: Efrenn Larson

Total views: 5 Word Count: 486 Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 Time: 5:31 PM - 0 comments

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