" In the Beijing imperial city, the passage of time is denoted by the striking of a bell with night being divided into five geng, each marking about two hours. The first and last night geng are also accompanied by the sounding of drums. The first geng signals the Hours of the Dog (7-9 pm) while the last geng signals the Hours of the Tiger (3-5am). In turn, a geng divides into three dian. "

― Laura Rahme , The Ming Storytellers