Bell Tower & Drum Tower
The Drum Tower was built in 1382 and is situated in central Nanjing. In the past, the tower housed numerous drums and other instruments for ceremonial use, but only one of the original drums remains. The drums were used to signal the changing of the guards and on occasion were used to announce emergency situations. Visitors can examine this ancient building which has partly been converted into at teahouse and also go to the exhibition hall which has a selection of paintings and calligraphy.
The Bell Tower is located just west of the Drum Tower and houses an enormous cast bell made in 1388. The Tower itself is a charming 2 story pavilion which dates from 1889. There is also a memorial hall dedicated to the two daughters of the artisan who created the bell. Legend says that when the craftsman failed to make the perfect blend of metals to create the bronze, knowing that their father was facing certain execution, the two daughters threw themselves into the metal that miraculously became perfect.
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