Friday, March 16, 2012

The Drum and Bell Towers of Beijing's Dongcheng Hutong

Men play Chinese chess in the Dongcheng Hutong Friday, March 16, 2012 close to one of Beijing's lesser known tourist attractions, the Drum
and Bell Towers of Dongcheng.





School lets out in the Dongcheng Hutong Friday, March 16, 2012.

Tourists walk along the main shopping area in Beijing's Dongcheng Hutong Friday, March 16, 2012.

A rickshaw driver naps Friday, March 16, 2012 outside the Dongcheng Bell Tower and Drum Tower landmarks.

IU School of Journalism students visit Beijing's Bell Tower Friday, March 16, 2012 located in the middle of the Dongcheng Hutong.

Thick smog hung over the Dongcheng Hutong Friday, March 16, 2012. The view from Beijing's Bell Tower was not completely obscured,
allowing visitors to see the Drum Tower (center) but not much else.

Light shines into the steep staircase of Beijing's Drum Tower Friday, March 16, 2012 as visitors ascend to watch a traditional drum ceremony and
look out over the Dongcheng Hutong.

A guard walks outside Beijing's Bell Tower Friday, March 16, 2012 located in the Dongcheng Hutong.


A Beijing man walks home from work Friday afternoon along Gulou Xidajie in the Dongcheng Hutong.

Beijing police break up illegal street vendors Friday, March 16, 2012 in the Dongcheng Hutong. Street vendors were selling souvenirs illegally along Gulou Xidajie in the
Dongcheng Hutong, along with a psychic who was said to be operating without permission.

Residents of Beijing's Dongcheng Hutong converse Friday, March 16, 2012 outside their homes.

A hand painted sign adorns the wall of a small business, a school, or possibly both, Friday, March 16, 2012 in Beijing's Dongcheng Hutong.