Drum Tower Beijing: A Detailed Tour Review with Tickets
So, planning a trip to Beijing? Very well, the Drum Tower should be near the top of your list. Really, it’s not just a building; that’s a bit of understatement. More or less, it is a look into Beijing’s heart, and I’m gonna walk you through what a visit there looks like, that includes figuring out whether or not those tickets are actually worth grabbing.
A Step Back in Time: What’s the Drum Tower About?
Well, the Drum Tower, you know, it isn’t some brand spanking brand-new thing; that it dates back to 1272 during Kublai Khan’s time. Very old. As a matter of fact, back then, they called it the “Tower of Orderly Administration.” Seemingly, its main job? Well, to announce the time. It really helped keep everyone in line in the city, with those drumbeats kinda running everyone’s day. I mean, back before phones that is!
So, imagine living back then: Those booming sounds would mark the hours, serving almost like a town clock but, you see, amplified. In a way, those drumbeats guided farmers, merchants, plus, of course, officials – basically, daily life just clicked along to the rhythm. Then the original tower took a hit and got rebuilt under Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. Alright, that’s what makes it more or less what you’re seeing now.
Basically, time moved on, and its use kind of declined when the Qing Dynasty rolled in and kinda favored the Bell Tower next door. Still, that old Drum Tower held its ground, and nowadays, the spot lets you soak in history plus catch some really sweet city views.
Getting Your Tickets and Preparing for Your Visit
Alright, first things first, how do you get in? Actually, getting those tickets, very easy. You have several options. Now, for your tickets, in fact, there are some online vendors selling them ahead, which can be quite helpful, usually to bypass any potential line ups, you know. Most importantly, check the official website or travel sites like TripAdvisor and such. Then just be sure it is a legitimate site and not a scam of any sort.
For another, those on-site purchases are more or less there to stay. In short, just line up at the ticket booth at the base of the tower. Just be prepared: During peak season it tends to get kinda busy so try getting there when it opens, really early, usually it helps cut any possible wait times. As a matter of fact, ticket prices are relatively reasonable, usually around 30 RMB. In other words, do check for potential discounts, especially if we are talking students or seniors.
And speaking of prepping for the trip: very important to know opening hours. Like your grandma always said: A few things, for instance weather: Beijing can get pretty extreme weather swings, and I’m talking super-hot summers and super-chilly winters. As I was saying, best dress for the conditions, naturally. Likewise, it’s worth wearing comfortable footwear; basically, you’ll need to do some climbing since the stairs up are steep. Finally, it is quite thoughtful, honestly, to carry your water and, that said, stay hydrated; there’s basically no lift and quite a few stairs.
Climbing Up: What You’ll See and Experience
So, what awaits you when you decide to huff and puff all those steps? We know. As a matter of fact, that climb is something. In a way, the wooden staircase winds its way up. Naturally, it gets very narrow, seemingly. However, don’t give up just yet, actually: The climb does kinda add a bit of old-world allure of it all.
At the top, though, more or less, you’re treated to an awesome, extensive, unadulterated panorama. Then those Hutongs down below? Oh my God! Like your toys neatly all laid out in front of you. Now in front of that scene: You get that Forbidden City in one distant glimpse. As a matter of fact, those views give perspective to basically how huge Beijing actually really is.
Once you have your eyes on that view: you get those drums! Right? Right! Well, as a matter of fact, displayed really nicely. Now they are ancient instruments which tells how they told time during all those dynasties and rulers who had ruled from old Beijing. Still, take your moment. Just linger in the moment to really reflect on everything; in fact, those cultural impacts should seep into your very mind!
The Drum Performance: A Highlight of the Tour
Seemingly, one thing you probably don’t wanna pass by. Honestly: the drum performance. Now, typically it happens several times daily, that the shows revive the original task it was built to execute; really, those drums sounding through time and the tower’s construction. By the way, make sure to check show timings so you can arrange for those viewing pleasure!
While that drum performance happens? Like the tower will resonate as if a brand new building still in operation! Right? Now the percussion is rather very loud as I listened to them perform in unison. Then as the tower rings loudly it gives tribute, as I understand, to an era old and bygone. More or less the reenactment helps add dimension, I have to say, in regard to China and her historical perspective!
Very important if this show is on offer: then that drum thing gets really very very cool, that is one highlight you will want, should you be there at the opportune timing of it all. Seemingly those cultural immersion gets fully amplified through it! Anyway be there or be square. Basically.
Exploring the Surroundings: What Else to See Near the Drum Tower
Well, so you have done it: those drum tours complete and ticked from the “To-Do” List! What is left? Ahhh lots actually: that Drum Tower location puts you literally near, really good local adventures and options to expand culturally!
More or less walking is required since The Bell Tower is super-super nearby to explore, just some short, simple walks to get those views to compare and learn; now those details vary through structure but complement just how China measures time over her reign. Usually in old, historical ways.
Alright, second, and equally worth every minute! What happens: A venture into Nanluoguxiang Hutong area! Now picture like several winding old street lanes where traditional courtyards are set. This place lets you just walk like that, browse the souvenirs and all that. Finally you can try that dumpling meal at this spot to make up some memories!
The third item will be your stomach! Ready or not there are multiple places to grab that awesome dish and those food that you are looking for – you might see authentic flavors only achievable as you hit the various smaller family cafes just some stroll distance afar; if it isn’t your choice maybe think of checking out those other restaurants which serves international kind-of dish. I do assure though: Food scenes here? Definitely, it always satisfies us tummy needs!
Is the Drum Tower Tour Worth It?
So is this something worth something to you while visiting here. Basically it would all rely upon these things: How very curious about China culture really are versus how much of tight-budget vacationer am I or you!
Alright let’s be practical at least just right here. Obviously those History fanatics; right?; for those it is an ABSOLUTE! More or less absorbing knowledge while gazing at city vistas makes it a perfect activity really.
And we shouldn’t leave some folks off! Definitely for the photographic-inclined of anyone that loves shooting panorama – definitely must visit since awesome views abound, those angles give chances, as a matter of fact, for spectacular image to capture!
More or less now let’s think of some travelers: For example like if someone who’s trying squeeze into tons-of spot without slowing or they’ve tight schedule, might be think passing on the place in order get-by from limited timeframe to save some – but, really, I think it will worth all of that because even short while over at Drum Towers give insights. Anyway, what do I know about your trip. By the way, maybe that short detour will just do justice – as they said! Anyway to each its own, okay? Finally that experience should dictate enjoyment regardless!
Some Things to Consider: Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Basically, the best timing – Visit early am when its best less busy – its just a way it does best on those crowds!
- I would suggest bringing translator device with ya; it does just enhance connection even more.
- Try on using subway instead grabbing private taxi that do saves some money! I just did thought give that one shot since it helped me that one time
- More or less that immediate place vicinity just worth look especially on unique goods; never skip around those chances to support that community area surrounding location, eh
In summary, be mindful that everyone experiences things slightly dissimilar to each other: so these do relies based of unique travel methods plus personal needs which I cant assume to apply onto one set – it will, probably, differ per folks traveling solo versus group!