New Threats to the Drum and Bell Towers historical area

Expropriation operations are set to begin in the historic district of the Bell and Drum Towers in Beijing, located on the historical north-south axis. Following a proposal of a “Museum of Time”, since aborted because of general protest, the area is now, again, under a new, much broader restructuring plan that would cover the entire area.

The project would include the redevelopment of five hutong on either side of the Bell and Drum Towers into a housing complex reflecting the architectural building forms of the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as an expansion of the central plaza.