The Drum Tower (Gulou) stands at the northern end of Beijing's Central Axis, just north of Di'anmen Street, with the Bell Tower (Zhonglou) rising directly behind it — both located in Dongcheng District. The towers were originally built for musical purposes, since drums and bells served as instruments in ancient China, before their role shifted to announcing the time to residents and government offices. The two towers served as Beijing's official timepiece throughout the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, continuing this function until 1924. In July 2024, they were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the 7.8-kilometer Beijing Central Axis. Visitors climb the towers' stone steps to enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding hutong rooftops and can catch scheduled drumming performances that recreate the old timekeeping rituals, while the square between the two towers buzzes with small cafes and shops.