The bell and drum were originally used as musical instruments in China. Afterward, however, they were used for telling time. As early as in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220), there was 'a morning bell and a dusk drum'. Telling the time by bell and drum played an important role in helping people live and work regularly when there was no other means to keep track of the time. As a result, bell and drum towers became public architectures, and were widely constructed in almost every city throughout the country since the Han Dynasty. In the history of their construction, the bell and drum towers of Beijing are the largest and highest. Their layout is unique, in that they were placed fore-and-aft, not as the traditional sense of standing right-and-left horizontally.
Lying to the north of Beijing-south axis line in Dongcheng District, the bell and drum towers are visibly prominent constructions and represent the symbol of this old city. They were built in 1272, and rebuilt twice after two fires. At one period in history they were the time-telling center of the capital city during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties (1271-1911).

With the Great Hall of the People to its east, the National Centre for the Performing Arts is located in Chang'an Avenue West. The NCPA (originally named National Grand Theater), designed by French architect Paul Andrew, includes the main building (containing three performing venues: the Opera House, the Concert Hall, the Theater), the underwater corridors, the underground garage, the artificial lake and the green space. It covers an area of about 118,900 sq meters (about 142,203 sq yard); and the total area of building is about 217,500 sq km (about 260,127 sq yard). The whole project started from December 2001. After more than 5 years' construction, it was finally completed in September, 2007. Now it is believed to be the deepest architecture in Beijing (the deepest place of the center is -32.5 meters, equivalent to the height of a 10-floor building.). National Centre for the Performing Arts presents a sharp contrast to its surroundings with its oval exterior, which makes it very eye-catching.
Symphonies, dance shows, ballets, dramas, operas and other kinds of performances are frequently staged in National Centre for the Performing Arts. If time is allowed, you can enjoy any shows that you like. The NCPA visiting tour includes art exhibitions, thematic activities, as well as facilities. You will both appreciate the magnificent architectural style and enjoy the profound art environment of thematic exhibitions here.
 

Shidu (Chinese: 十渡; pinyin: Shídù) is a town in Fangshan District in far southwestern Beijing,around 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the border with Hebei. Shidu, literally the "Tenth Crossing", is located in the valley of the meandering Juma River and so named because accessing the town is said to require crossing the river ten times. Shidu is known for the surrounding karst landscape, the largest in northern China, that is created by the Juma River cutting through the Taihang Mountain. The elevation of Shidu varies from 84.2 to 1,210.8 metres above the sea level.As of 2011, it had 21 villages under its administration.

The Beijing–Yuanping Railway has a station in Shidu.

Shidu (Chinese: 十渡; pinyin: Shídù) is a town in Fangshan District in far southwestern Beijing,around 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the border with Hebei. Shidu, literally the "Tenth Crossing", is located in the valley of the meandering Juma River and so named because accessing the town is said to require crossing the river ten times. Shidu is known for the surrounding karst landscape, the largest in northern China, that is created by the Juma River cutting through the Taihang Mountain. The elevation of Shidu varies from 84.2 to 1,210.8 metres above the sea level.As of 2011, it had 21 villages under its administration.

The Beijing–Yuanping Railway has a station in Shidu.

BEIJING,IT IS THE CAPITAL OF CHINA,AND IT HAS A HISTORY OF OVER 3000 YEARS.IF SHANGHAI IS CONSIDERED THE FINANCIAL CENTRE OF CHINA,THE BEIJING IS THE CULTURAL AND POLITICAL CENTRE OF CHINA.THERE ARE MANY PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST IN AND AROUND BEIJING.FOR EXAMPLE,TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE,WHICH IS THE BIGGEST CENTRAL SQUARE IN THE WORLD.THERE IS ALSO THE IMPERIAL PALACE,KNOWN AS THE FORBIDDEN CITY.THE FORBIDDEN CITY IS THE LARGEST OF CHINA'S MOST COMPLETE EXISTING ANCIENT BUILDINGS.IN ADDITION,THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA IS ONE OF THE EIGHT WONDERS OF THE WORLD,WHICH IS SAID TO BE VISIBLE FROM THE MOON.THE RECENT YEARS,BEIJING HAS BEEN ADVANCING VERY QUICKLY.

COME TO BEIJING,AND YOU WILL BE SURPRISED HOW BEAUTIFUL THE CITY IS WITH ITS PAST AND PRESENT.

Jingshan Park is located in the center of Beijing on the south-north axis. It is right behind the Forbidden City. So your day can start by visiting the Forbidden City then you can leave the city through the north gate go across the street and walk around Jingshan Park. On a clear day the visitor will be able to see a clear view of the Forbidden City. Jingshan Hill is the highest point in Beijing. From here you can see the Bell and Drum Towers, Beihai Park and the White Dagoba Temple

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