Located next to the Drum Tower, the massive stone Beijing Bell Tower (Zhonglou) is dates back to 1745, though the original wooden tower was completed in 1272 under the Mongol Yuan Dynasty.

This grand stone structure features China's largest and heaviest bell (7 meters, 63 tons), rung by a large wooden ringer suspended from the cieling. If you're lucky, you'll be allowed a few rings of the deeply resonant bell, a charming accompaniment to excellent views of the city and the neighorbing Drum Tower.