Jian Lou (ArcheryTower)

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), each city gate ofBeijingwas also guarded by a Jian Lou (ArcheryTower), and two of them have been well preserved.

 Zhong Lou (BellTower)

The Bell Tower in the city also plays a very big role in landscape. The existing Bell Tower of Beijing in the northern part of the city was built in the 18^thyear (1420) of the reign of Ming Emperor Chengzu. TheBellTowerwas built entirely with bricks and stones. Under it is a square, towering brick platform, encircled by stone balustrades. A single-storied bell drum, which is the largest ever inChina, was erected on the platform.

 Gu Lou (DrumTower)

Located to the south of theBellTower, theDrumToweroverlooks the busyDrum Tower Street, with a platform below and a two-storied, three-eave building on the upper level. TheDrumToweris horizontal and long in form, larger in size and elegant in style, presenting a sharp contrast to theBellTowerwhich is small, vertical, plain and neat.

In ancient times, according to the old rule, the local officials would open the city gate at the toll of the bell in the morning, and close it with the strike of the drum at dawn.