China, Beijing. Drum Tower - The Oldest Building In Beijing Editorial Image

China, Beijing. Drum Tower - the oldest building in Beijing. It was built in 1272 and at that time it was called the Tower of proper management (Qizhenglou). In 1420, the tower was moved to a new location. In 1800 was made substantial reconstruction of the building. In 1924, the name of the tower was changed to Tower perceived shamefulness. The first level of the Drum Tower is a massive square terrace height of four meters, a length of 55 and a half meters and a width of 30 meters. At the front and rear of the terrace are three arched entrances. The upper part of the terrace is decorated with multi-layered wood construction. In ancient times, Drum Tower served the residents of the city in order to read the time. It was equipped with a water clock and drums, in which they beat, noting the clock. In ancient times, on the top floor of the building was 24 drum. Hitherto remained only one of them.