Xi’an Bell and Drum Towers: Ultimate Visitor & Photography Guide
Overwhelmed by planning your Xi’an trip? Don’t worry—the easiest way to navigate this ancient capital is to split it into two key areas: the lively city center and the surrounding regions.
The inner city highlights are clustered around downtown and the south, seamlessly connected by walking or subway. Meanwhile, the surrounding day trips spread across the east, west, north, and south, each packed with iconic sights. Today, we’ll start at the historic Bell and Drum Towers in downtown Xi’an and take you step-by-step through the very best this legendary city has to offer.
What Are the Xi’an Bell and Drum Towers?
Originally built in 1384 during the reign of Emperor Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty, the Bell Tower was initially located at today’s Guangji Street. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, the entire structure was relocated to its current spot—the precise intersection of East, West, South, and North Avenues—making it the geometric center of Xi’an ever since. The Drum Tower, built earlier in 1380, sits about 330 meters west of the Bell Tower, facing it across a central plaza.
- Bell Tower (East):
The massive bronze bell was struck at dawn, signaling the opening of city gates and the start of daily activities. - Drum Tower (West):
Large drums were beaten at dusk, marking the end of the day and the closing of the gates.
In ancient times without clocks, locals relied on the tradition of “Morning Bell and Dusk Drum” to keep time: the bell tolled at dawn to wake the city, and the drum beat at dusk to signal the end of the day.
Top Things to See at the Bell and Drum Towers
What to See at the Xi’an Bell Tower
Architectural Wonder: Built in the classic Ming style with triple eaves, a wooden structure, a pyramid-shaped roof, and sweeping corner eaves, the tower features striking red pillars, green roof tiles, gold-leaf details, and ornate carvings. It is one of the largest and best-preserved Ming Dynasty bell towers in China.
The Jingyun Bell (Replica): Hanging in the northwest corner, this 2.45-meter-tall, 6.5-ton replica produces a deep, powerful resonance. The original bell—a national treasure from the Tang Dynasty featuring inscriptions written personally by Emperor Ruizong—is now housed in the Xi’an Forest of Steles Museum. Tourists often gather beneath the bell to catch its chime.
Panoramas of the Four Main Avenues: From the top balcony, look out as the North, South, East, and West Avenues stretch straight out in all four directions, with traffic looping around the tower like a glowing ring. It is the best vantage point to appreciate Xi’an’s chessboard-style urban layout.
What to See at the Xi’an Drum Tower
The 24 Solar Terms Drums: Surrounding the first-floor cloister are 24 massive ceremonial drums, each inscribed in seal script (Xiaozhuan) with one of the 24 Chinese solar terms. Divided into six drums for each cardinal direction (representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter), this is the most photogenic and culturally engaging feature of the tower.
The Wentian Drum: A grand replica of the famous Tang Dynasty “Wentian Drum,” standing approximately 1.8 meters high with a drumhead diameter of 2.83 meters.
Drum Culture Exhibition: Beyond the solar terms drums, the tower displays various traditional Chinese drums, including the Tiger-Seat Drum, Elephant-Tusk Drum, and Octagonal Drum, offering a quick deep-dive into traditional percussion culture.
“Morning Bell & Evening Drum” Reenactments: At 9:00, 12:00, and 15:00 daily, the Jingyun Bell chimes at the Bell Tower; at 18:00, the 24 Solar Terms Drums and the Wentian Drum beat in unison at the Drum Tower to signal the dusk. On-the-hour visitors can also catch live chime performances (Bianzhong). Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Practical Visitor Guide: Tickets, Hours & How to Get There
Opening Hours:
Peak Season (Jan–Oct): 8:30 – 21:30 (Last entry at 21:00).
Off-Peak Season (Oct–Dec): 8:30 – 18:00 (Last entry at 17:30).
Note: It is currently off-peak season, so the towers close earlier in the evening. Please plan accordingly.
Tickets:
Bell Tower: ¥30 | Drum Tower: ¥30
Combo Ticket (Bell + Drum Tower): ¥50 (Best value).
Student Ticket: ¥15 per tower.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or reserved in advance via official platforms.
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 6 directly to Bell Tower Station; the exit leads straight to the plaza. Buses are also widely available. The two towers are only 330 meters apart (a 5-minute walk), so visiting both with a combo ticket is highly recommended.
Recommended Time: Plan about 1 hour per tower, or 2 hours combined. If you are short on time and can only choose one, prioritize the Drum Tower (it offers richer indoor exhibits and sits right next to the Muslim Quarter).
Nearby Connections: The Muslim Quarter lies directly north and west of the Drum Tower—perfect for grabbing local street food right after your tour. Heading south leads to South Avenue and Shuyuanmen (Calligraphy Street) for a seamless day itinerary.
Pro Tip: Opening hours may occasionally adjust during major public holidays. Before visiting, you can call the Bell Tower (+86 29-87276420) or Drum Tower (+86 29-87278798) to confirm, or check official announcements.
Best Xi’an Bell & Drum Tower Photo Spots & Night Views
Best Time for Photos: Right after nightfall when the lights turn on. As dusk settles, warm golden lights illuminate the red pillars and green tiles, showing the towers at their most striking. (During off-peak months, closure happens early; capture night photos from the ground outside, and save your climb for daytime hours).
Best Angles for the Bell Tower: Kaiyuan Shopping Mall Observation Deck (SE Corner): The ultimate elevated spot for a direct, full-view photo of the Bell Tower. Pedestrian Overpasses Around the Traffic Circle: Angle your camera slightly lower to cut out the crowd and capture the grand structure. Along East or West Avenues: Use a telephoto lens to compress the moving traffic against the ancient tower for a stunning “time-travel” effect.
Best Angles for the Drum Tower: In Front of the Muslim Quarter Archway (North Side): Frame the majestic Drum Tower together with the lively street food atmosphere. West Avenue Sidewalk: Capture the depth of the avenue leading toward the Drum Tower. The 24 Solar Terms Drums: Located along the 1st-floor outdoor corridor. Natural daytime light works best here; frame your shots closely around the elegant ancient calligraphy on the drumheads.
Equipment & Technique: Use a wide-angle lens during the day to capture the full scale of the architecture against the blue sky. For night shots, bring a tripod or use your phone’s night mode with a slightly longer exposure to capture light trails from passing cars. To avoid heavy crowds, aim for early morning opening time or late afternoon right before final admission.
Drone Notice: Drones are strictly controlled and prohibited in downtown core areas. Please rely on ground-level camera spots to capture your compositions.
Are the Bell and Drum Towers Worth Visiting?
Yes. While you don’t need hours inside, the Xi’an Bell and Drum Towers offer one of the clearest insights into how ancient Chinese cities functioned. Their central location, cultural meaning, and nighttime atmosphere make them a must-see stop on any Xi’an itinerary.
Furthermore, to explore more highlights of your Xi’an journey, don’t miss our complete guide to Xi’an Tourist Attractions!
