Bell Tower & Drum Tower

They’re not just ancient timekeeping structures; they’re also iconic landmarks of Xi’an

The Drum Tower and Bell Tower in Xian are two iconic buildings right in the city center. Every traveler visiting Xi’an will pass by these spots. Historically, they were used to tell time. In the morning, the bell rang first, then the drum, and in the evening, it was the other way around. That’s why they’re known in China as “morning bell and evening drum.” The two towers are only about 200 meters apart. The Drum Tower was built in the 13th year of the Hongwu reign (1380 AD), while the Bell Tower was completed four years later in the 17th year (1384 AD).

The Bell Tower in Xi'an during the day.

Table of Contents

Highlights

Drum Tower (Chinese name: 鼓楼)

The Xi’an Drum Tower is one of the largest and best-preserved drum towers from ancient China. It features a big drum that’s used to signal the time to the whole city in the evening, which is why it’s called the “Drum Tower.” In traditional Chinese culture, drums are important musical instruments. They symbolize harmony, order, and rhythm.

In ancient China, the Drum Tower was a key place for rituals. People held various ceremonies there to pray for blessings from the gods. These activities showed not only their reverence and faith but also reflected the belief culture in traditional Chinese society.

The big drum on the Drum Tower in Xi'an.
The Xi'an Drum Tower illuminated at night.

Bell Tower (钟楼)

The Bell Tower in Xi’an is one of the largest and best-preserved bell towers in China. In ancient times, it had a big bell for alarms and telling time, which is why it’s called the “Bell Tower.” Construction began in 1384, originally located at the intersection of Guangji Street, across from the Drum Tower. In 1582, it was moved to its current location and renovated during the Qing Dynasty. By the Daoguang period, the Bell Tower stopped ringing and became a fort for Qing soldiers. Today, it has become one of Xi’an’s most popular attractions.

The big bell on the Bell Tower in Xi'an.
The Xi'an Bell Tower illuminated at night.

Practical Travel Tips

  1. The Bell Tower of Xi’an looks amazing for photos during the day! You can get great shots of it from the nearby lawn. If you want a full view of the tower at night, I recommend the observation deck on the fourth floor of the Kaiyuan Mall across the street. It’s especially beautiful and perfect for pictures!
  2. As for whether it’s worth going up the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, I’d say it depends on your schedule. If you’re on a tight itinerary, just snapping photos nearby is fine. Compared to other attractions, the view from the top isn’t as impressive.

Hours and Fees

Hours

  • The opening hours for the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are as follows:
    During peak season (January 1 to October 10), they’re open from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM. In the off-season (October 11 to December 31), the hours are 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. They’re closed every Monday.

Admission

  • Xi’an Bell Tower ticket prices: Adult tickets are 30 yuan each.
  • Xi’an Drum Tower ticket prices: Adult tickets are 30 yuan each.
  • Combined ticket for the Bell Tower and Drum Tower: The price is 50 yuan per person.
  • Admission is free for children under 1.2 meters tall or 6 years old. For those aged 6 (not included) to 18 years old, tickets are half price.

How to Get to Bell Tower & Drum Tower

By Subway

  • Take Metro Line 2 or Line 6 and get off at Bell Tower Station. Exit from C, and it’s just a short walk to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

How Visitors Rate the Bell Tower & Drum Tower

Local tourists from China

The Bell Tower looks stunning at night, and many beautiful women are here taking photos in Tang Dynasty outfits. There are also plenty of food shops nearby, and most of the street stays open late, with some even open all night. You’ll find malls, drink shops, and creative stores around, with fun slogans on the storefronts. The street is super crowded and really lively!
Bowen
The Xi'an Bell Tower feels much more grand and impressive than the ones in Beijing, and the architecture is more exquisite. You definitely need to go up, as the ceiling, brackets, and colorful paintings are stunning, and you can get a close look at them. The night view is also beautiful, and the transportation is super convenient! You can even take the subway right back to your hotel, which is perfect.If you want to take photos in Hanfu with the Bell Tower, I recommend going at night; it just looks better than during the day. If you're shooting by yourself, consider bringing a fill light; otherwise, the photos might come out a bit dark.
JunJun
For my first stop on my Xi'an trip, I went to the Drum Tower of Xi'an. Since it was raining, I only went up the Drum Tower and skipped the Bell Tower. Admission is free for seniors over 65, so my mom qualified.Inside, there are lots of big drums, and from the top, you can see the Bell Tower in the distance. Behind the Drum Tower is Huimin Street. At night, the Drum Tower lights up, and the view is really beautiful. There are also many women in Hanfu taking photos, adding a unique touch to the scenery!
kenny
The Drum Tower is a magnificent building and definitely worth a visit. The ticket price is 30 yuan, and there’s an amazing chime performance inside. Each show lasts about ten minutes. The performers wear traditional Chinese costumes and play ancient melodies on the chimes, creating beautiful, resonant sounds. It really showcases the essence of ancient Chinese music and culture. Though the performance is short, it’s quite impactful and definitely worth seeing!
Sifang