Overview
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower were built in 1384 under Emperor Hongwu of the Ming dynasty as Xi'an's defining landmarks. The Bell Tower sits at the historical center of the old city and once rang the dawn bell to mark time, while the Drum Tower struck the evening drum to close the day. The two stand about 250m apart and connect by foot to the Muslim Quarter. The 36m Bell Tower offers panoramic views in all four directions, with daily bell-striking demonstrations. The Drum Tower museum displays the giant drums and time-keeping devices used during the Ming and Qing dynasties. By night, golden floodlights make both towers all the more majestic. Combined Bell-Drum Tower ticket CNY 50. Directly at Zhonglou Station (Metro Line 2).
Opening Hours
08:30-21:00 (March-October), 08:30-18:00 (November-February)
Travel Tips
The combined Bell-Drum Tower ticket is cheaper than separate ones. The night lighting after 7 PM is most beautiful — time your visit.
Hotels near Bell Tower & Drum Tower
Hotels and guesthouses in Xi'an, Beilin, Xi'an
Other attractions in Xi'an
Terracotta Army
Emperor Qin Shi Huang's underground army — over 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses.
Xi'an City Wall
China's best-preserved ancient city wall, circumnavigable by bicycle.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
A seven-story brick pagoda built by the Tang monk Xuanzang to house scriptures brought from India.
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street)
A 1,000-year-old Hui Muslim district — Xi'an's ultimate street food paradise.
Huaqing Palace
The imperial hot spring retreat where Tang's Yang Guifei famously bathed.
Shaanxi History Museum
One of China's top four museums, telling 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through 1.7 million artifacts.