Originally built in 1272 during the reign of the legendary Mongol emperor, Kublai Khan, the ceremonial Bell Tower is one of the lesser known monuments of China's imperial capital. A copper bell inside kept time for the emperor who lived in the Forbidden City to the south. The tower stands due north of the Drum Tower (Gulou), and is on the imperial capital's north south axis which bisects the Forbidden City and the Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen).