Beijing, part 17: Let There Be Drums

At the heart of old Beijing rises the Drum Tower, from which drummers would beat out the times of the day (and occasional warnings).



Chunyu dropped us off -- Yüfang, Steven, Chunlin, and I -- and up we climbed.



Red columns and beams similar to the Southeast Watchtower. Later Ming Dynasty.



We had a half hour to wait till the 1:30 drum performance.





Views out over the hazy city. Visitors are only allowed on the south balcony -- into the sun, blech.



The tourists were gathering. No time for lunch.



Boom boom bada boom! Impressive five-man drum show on the big drums.





Then we descended and headed next door to the east to the same restaurant as Monday evening. At 2 p.m. it was slightly easier to get a table. Hao chi baozi, pi jiu goes down smooth from a bowl.



We said goodby to Yüfang and Steven. She took food to Chunyu, who was still at the car.


I took a brief look at the nearby Bell Tower, but didn't go inside.

More photos from our visit are on flickr, if you'd like to see them.