What are the main functions of ancient bell and drum towers?

The functions of the ancient bell and drum tower were mainly alarm and time telling.

In ancient times, the main function of the bell and drum tower was to tell time and transmit signals. By tapping the bell and drum, people can know the current time accurately, which is very important for agricultural society. At the same time, the bell and drum tower is also a tool to transmit important information, such as war warning, disaster notification, court activities and so on.

In addition, the bell and drum tower also has important cultural symbolic significance. In the traditional culture of China, the bell and drum are regarded as a combination of ritual vessels and musical instruments, which can coordinate heaven and earth and communicate with people. In ancient times, people believed that bells and drums could resolve disasters and pray for good luck, and they were also an indispensable part of holding various sacrificial ceremonies and celebrations.

Other functions of bell and drum tower

The bell and drum tower standing in the frontier fortress also shows extremely important military value. Because it is built high, it can quickly grasp the enemy's movements and positions when patrolling and guarding, so it was used in ancient military to spy on the enemy and watch from afar. For example, the Yuyang Drum Tower in Tianjin, whose four-character plaque "Jidong Lock Key" shows the status of ancient Jeju as a military center in the north.

Another example is the Qingyuan Pavilion and Zhenshuo Building in Xuanhua. Their "towering into the sky" and "shocking the border" all highlight their military atmosphere and strategic value. The Bell and Drum Tower is not only a time-telling building, but also has comprehensive functions such as maintaining social order, military patrol, offering sacrifices, showing imperial government, and viewing the scenery. In addition, because of its tall figure, exquisite shape and solemnity, it is also a symbol of the imperial power of the feudal dynasty.