Situated a mile north of Jingshan Park (on the same north/south axis as the Imperial Palace), the Old Drum Tower was the center of time-keeping in dynasties past.

25 drums, known as the Watchman’s Drums, were given a beating every hour, on the hour before such things as watches existed.

The drums are located on the second floor of the tower (a very tall second floor at that) that is open-air, thus allowing the sound to permeate the city.

Today, the tradition continues with hourly demonstrations of the drumming of yore.

The 25 Watchman’s Drums consist of one large drum and 24 smaller drums made of tautly drawn cowhide.

Every aspect of the hourly drumming is ritualized; from the slow, formal entrance procession and initial beats, to the coordinated poundings of militaristic precision.

And every part of the drum is used to create elaborately layered sounds – the cowhide itself, the sharp corner where the hide meets wood and the metal grommets that fasten the hide to the drum’s body.

We were captivated!

Old Drum Tower Performance