The Bell Tower and the Drum Tower stand a few hundred metres apart at the centre of old Xi’an, linked by a busy square and lined by streets that lead to the four city gates. The Bell Tower was built in 1384 by order of the Ming emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, and in 1582 it was moved to its present site. Its wooden structure is about 36 metres high, with three layers of eaves, glazed tiles and a gilded roof, and it marks the geographic centre of the old city. The Drum Tower, first built in 1380, is a two-storey hall with twenty-four drums that represent the solar terms of the traditional farming calendar. Together they once rang the hours and signalled dawn and dusk, and today they serve as one of the most photographed sights in the city. Inside the Drum Tower you can watch drum performances, and a joint ticket covers both towers.
How to visit
Both towers are in the centre of the old town, and Metro Line 2 stops at Zhonglou, which means Bell Tower, station. The Bell Tower stands on a large brick base in the middle of a roundabout, and you reach it through an underground passage. A joint ticket for the two towers is available, and each tower also sells its own ticket.
What to expect
Climb the Bell Tower to see the great bell and enjoy a view down the four main avenues, then walk to the Drum Tower, a few minutes away through the square, and see its row of drums and the exhibition on drum culture. Drum performances run at set times through the day. Allow around one hour for each tower, or a bit more if you linger at the exhibitions and the terraces.
Making the most of it
Opening hours are longer in the summer months and shorter from late October to late March, so aim to arrive earlier in the day in winter and check the last ticket time. The towers are lit after dark and look splendid from the square, so a stroll at dusk is worth adding even if you do not climb. The nearby Muslim Quarter, just behind the Drum Tower, is an obvious next stop.
November is a comfortable month for climbing, with clear air and cool temperatures. If you have limited time, choose the Drum Tower for the performances and the Bell Tower for the central view.
What to expect
The experience
A climb up two historic towers on the main square, with a great bell, a hall of drums and timed drum performances.
Best time
Morning for the drum shows, or around dusk for the lit towers from the square.
How long
About one to two hours for both towers.
Tips
Buy the joint ticket, check winter closing times, and use the underground passage to reach the Bell Tower.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors wanting the old city’s best-known landmarks in one stop.
- Families
- Children enjoy the drum performances and the climb.
- Couples
- Walk the square at dusk when both towers are lit.
- Pair with
- The Muslim Quarter and the City Wall.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Which is older, the Bell Tower or the Drum Tower?+
The Drum Tower is slightly older, first built in 1380, while the Bell Tower dates from 1384. Both are Ming-dynasty structures that have been repaired over the centuries.
Is there a joint ticket?+
Yes, a joint ticket covers both towers and is cheaper than buying them separately. Each tower also has its own ticket.
Are there drum performances?+
Yes, the Drum Tower hosts drum performances at set times through the day. Check the schedule when you arrive, as times can change.
How long should I allow?+
About one hour for each tower is plenty. Allow more if you want to watch a drum performance or linger at the exhibits.
Are the opening hours different in winter?+
Yes, the towers close earlier from late October to late March. Aim to arrive well before the last ticket time.
