Xi’an Bell Tower: A Timeless Symbol of History and Culture
Xi’an, an ancient historical and cultural city with more than 3100 years of urban history and 1100 years of capital history, witnessed the rise and fall of 13 dynasties. Each cultural landmark evokes the unparalleled splendor of this city through the age.
Located at the center of Xi’an, the junction of the four main streets in the city wall，the Bell Tower is a cultural symbol of Xi’an. There was a large bell hanging on the tower which was used to sound alarms and keep the time, hence its name “Bell Tower.” After witnessing the city’s development for centuries, it still stands erectly today. If you are interested in the the culture and history of Xi’an, then the Bell Tower must be on the list of must-visit attractions on your Xian and Silk Road trip.
Fast Facts about Xi’an Bell Tower
- Location: Intersection of East Street and West Street in Beilin District of Xi’an City
- Tickets: 30 yuan for the Bell Tower and 50 yuan for the Bell and Drum Towers
- Opening hours: 8:30-21:30 from 1 Jan. to 10 Oct., 8:30-18:00 from 11 Oct. to 31 Dec.
- Time needed: about 2 hours
- Height: 36 m
- How to book: Search Xi’an Bell Tower/Xi’an Drum Tower on the Ctrip APP or Ctrip WeChat mini program. Or buy the tickets from Xian Bell Tower’s official website or WeChat official account. You can also buy same-day tickets at the ticket center of the Bell and Drum Tower Museum.
History & Architectural Features
Relocation of the Bell Tower for Urban Development
The Xi’an Bell Tower was initially built in 1384 in the Yingxiang Taoist Temple, being ordered by the emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of Ming Dynasty. It was constructed for alarms and timekeeping, as a big bell was placed in it before. In 1582, the tenth year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, it was moved to its present location at the intersection of the four main streets of the emerging urban center (East, South, West and North). This relocation was driven by the needs of urban development, and the relocation demonstrated the spirit of integrated Xi’an history.
Renovations & Reconstructions
Over the past six centuries, the Xi’an Bell Tower has undergone multiple renovations and reconstructions. Despite wars and natural disasters over the past years, it stands firm and symbolizes the resilience and brilliance of Xi’an’s history and culture.
The tower was also restored several times during the Qing Dynasty and after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, in order to stay in line with its historic appearance. The 2011 restoration gave new shine to the tower and made it a shared memory for both tourists and local residents. The current Tower is both a backdrop to history and a part of the new Xi’an, watching over the city’s evolution from ancient times to today.
The Treasure of Architectural Excellence
The Bell Tower in Xian is the largest and best-preserved among the numerous ancient bell towers scattered across the country, famous for the exquisite architecture and profound history. Its accompanying drum tower is also the largest of its kind among all existing drum towers nationwide.
Its entire structure of is a brick-wood building, standing at a height of 36 meters. It is composed of a base, the main body of the building, and the roof. The main body is made of wood and adopts the architectural forms of “double-eaved, three-drip water” and “four-corner pyramid roof.” The base is square, with a height of 8.6 meters and a width of 35.5 meters, constructed with blue bricks and white lime. Above the base lies a four-sided, open-air colonnade. The interior space is aesthetically pleasing and grand.
The building body is divided into two floors, with three levels of eaves. Its roof is glazed green tiles. Inside, the walls are covered layers of gold leaf and colorful paintings, with delicately carved beams and columns.
The doors and windows are intricately carved, with each door panel featuring eight reliefs, each of which tells an ancient story. The four corners of the eaves are upturned like the wings of a bird, and the roof is decorated with various classical Chinese animal and beast patterns, creating a sense of antiquity, elegance, and rich coloration. The topmost finial glistens in the sunlight, adding to the building’s unique charm and magnificence.
How to Enter
You can only enter the tower by going through the underground passage. Exit from Exit C of the Bell Tower Station on Subway Line 2 and you can see a ticket purchasing center. After passing through the corridor of the ticket office and climbing the stairs, you will reach the ticket-checking entrance.
What to See and Do inside the Tower
Ring the Bell Yourself
Ascend to the tower from the circular underground passage and strike the Ming Dynasty iron bell located in the northwest corner. As the melodious bell chimes resonate, you take in the panoramic view. Directly in front of you lies the west street or Xidajie, a street lined with ancient architecture. The red tiles and upturned eaves appear as if from a celestial realm.
Appreciate the Nightscape
If you want to know more about Xi’an, get a view of its four major streets (East, South, West, and North) from the Bell Tower. It is stunning by day with gorgeous views, but the night views are more unique. The tower, lit up in different colors, has a sense of solemnity, splendor, and mystery in the evening.
Enjoy Local Food
After appreciating the nightscape from the tower, you can go to the Muslim Quarter behind the Drum Tower. This is Xi’an’s most famous snack street. You can indulge in local delicacies such as Jia San’s soup dumplings, Honghong’s sauerkraut fried rice, special mini glutinous rice cakes, and Pingwa’s barbecue. These snacks are simply irresistible.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for Xi’an tours & Bell Tower visit is April to October. It has a relatively nice climate with moderate temperatures. The temperature may be high in the summer, and you have to take precautions if you come here during summer.
How to Get to
Transportation Options
| Mode of Transport | Detailed Info. |
| Subway | Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Bell Tower Station. |
| Bus | Take Bus 7, 8, 601, 611, 618, etc. and get off at Bell Tower Station. |
| Shuttle Bus | Take the airport shuttle bus on the Chengxi Bell Tower Line and get off at the Bell Tower Hotel (the terminal stop). |
Get to the Bell Tower from Different Locations
| From | How to get to |
| Xian North Railway Station | Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Bell Tower Station. |
| Airport | Take Bus 7, 8, 601, 611, 618, etc. and get off at Bell Tower Station.Take the Chengxi Bell Tower Line airport shuttle bus, and get off at the Bell Tower Hotel. Take the airport shuttle bus from Terminal 3 to Andingmen Bus Station. Walk 200 meters to Andingmen Subway Station (Exit B) and take Line 6 to Bell Tower Station. |
| Muslim Quarter | Take Line 2 at the Muslim Quarter (Hui Street) and get off at Bell Tower Station. The Bell Tower is just a 2-minute walk away. |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda | Take bus routes No. 27 or No. 609 to Bell Tower Station. The Tower is just a 2-minute walk away. Take Line 3 to Xiaozhai Station and transfer to Line 2 to Bell Tower Station. |
| Terracotta Army | Take the Tourist Line 5, No. 306, or No. 914 from the Terracotta Army Museum to Wuyi Road Station, then transfer to Line 1 to Bell Tower Station. Take Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station, transfer to Lintong 602 to Wuyi Road Station, and then transfer to Line 1 to Bell Tower Station. |
Nearby Attractions
- Terracotta Army: It is the “underground army” of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang lying dormant for over 2,000 years.
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: A seven-story square Buddhist pagoda. Originally constructed as a brick pagoda by the eminent monk Xuanzang to preserve Buddhist scriptures, it has now become a famous historical site and iconic landmark in Xi’an.
