As one of the most important National Key Relic Protection Units in China. Standing on the Bell and Drum Tower you can not only enjoy the night cape of Xi’an city but also experience the charm of the ancient capital.
Introduction of Bell Tower
Xi’an Bell Tower is located in the center of Xi’an, it is the largest and most complete existing bell tower in China at the intersection of four main streets in the east, west, north, and south of the Ming City Wall. The tower was founded in the 17th year of Hongwu, Taizu of the Ming Dynasty (1384), it was first built in Guangji Street, which is opposite Drum Tower.
The building structure of Bell Tower:
Bell Tower is a typical Ming Dynasty architectural art style, the bottom of the tower is a square base of brick and stone structure and on the top of the tower is a triple four-sided cusp structure, covered with dark green glazed tiles. In the middle of the four sides of the base, it was used to be the intersection of East, South, West, and North Streets. Now the portals have been closed, surrounded by road turntables and underground passages dedicated to pedestrians.
Introduction of Drum Tower:
Drum Tower is one of the landmarks of the ancient city, it was built in Ming Dynasty. When you climb the Drum Tower, you can see a big drum 1.8 meters high and 24 red drums engraved with 24 solar terms, which is very powerful. The Drum Tower also exhibits Ming and Qing furniture, porcelain, and Qi Baishi’s paintings and calligraphy. Furthermore, when you visit Drum Tower, you can also enjoy the performances of traditional folk kinds of music and dances.
The building structure of Drum Tower:
Xi’an Drum Tower is the largest Drum Tower in China, with a large rectangular base at the bottom and a north-south entrance with a height and width of 6 meters. The upper and lower floors on the platform are divided into two floors and are covered with green glazed tiles, which is quite beautiful.
What to visit?
When you enter the Bell Tower, you will find a copy of Jingyun Bell in the Bell Tower. The original was cast in the second year of Jingyun Tang Ruizhong (711 A.D.) and is now stored in the Xi’an Stele Forest Museum.
Standing on the bell tower, you can see the four main streets extending from the bell tower, the busiest business district of Xi’an around the bell tower, and the nearby drum tower.
Visitors can also enjoy wonderful performances when they visit the Bell Tower, which is held six times a day. The specific time of performances can be seen on the official website. In addition, behind the Drum Tower is North Guangji Street with many traditional Xi’an cuisines, it will definitely feast your eyes.
When is the best time to visit?
Every March to May (spring blossoms and pleasant climate), September and October (autumn high, melon, and fruit fragrance) are the best time to travel to Xi’an
From March to November is the peak season of tourism in Xi’an every year. Although June to August is also included in this period, however the weather will be very hot during this period and there will be a lot of tourists.
Xian’s off-season tourism is from mid-November to March of next year. At this time, the climate of Xi’an is cold and dry, the cold wind penetrates one’s bones, and the temperature is really low, so there are fewer tourists. Although it is not the peak season of tourism, most scenic spots carry out off-season prices. Considering the economic factors, it is a good time to travel to Xi’an. of course, if you would like to enjoy a magnificent scene of the north.
How to get to the Bell and Drum Tower？
Rout 1. Bell Tower is located in the central part of the city wall of Xi’an, and there are many buses passing through it. tourists can take No.4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 15, 15, 16, 26, 26, 29, 29, 29, 32, 35, 35, 36, 37, 37, 43, 45, 46, 118, 235 to name just a few, and get off at Bell Tower Station.
Rout 2. Visitors can take Metro Line 2 and get off at Bell Tower Station.
The admission fees: 50 RMB/Person
Bell Tower:35 RMB/Person
Drum Tower: 35 RMB/Person
Opening Time:
Peak season: 8.30 AM to 8.30 PM ( 26th March to 25th October)
Off season: 8.30 AM to 6.00 PM ( 26th October to 25th March)
