At the heart of Xi’an, where the city’s four ancient streets meet within the Xi’an City Wall, the Bell Tower stands as China’s largest and best-preserved imperial clock tower. For over 600 years, this iconic landmark has witnessed Xi’an’s history as a Silk Road capital, and today, its chimes still echo through the modern city.
Xi’an Bell Tower Facts
- Location: Opposite to Exit C of Bell Tower Station, Xi’an Metro Line 2, at the Intersection of East Street and West Street in Beilin District of Xi’an City
- First Built in: 1384
- Height: 36 meters (118 feet)
- Recommended Visiting Time: One Hour
- Ticket Price: 30 CNY. Trip.com Discount
- Opening Hours: 08:30 -18:00 in the off-season (October 11 to March 31); 08:30 – 21:30 in the peak season (April 1 to October 10)
Xi’an Bell Tower History
Built in 1384 under Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty, Xi’an’s Bell Tower was originally located at Guangji Street, facing the Drum Tower. Designed as a military and timekeeping hub, it housed a massive bronze bell used to alert the city, giving the tower its name. In 1582, it was meticulously relocated 1,000 meters east of the original site to its current central position—an engineering marvel—to align with the shifted city center.
The tower’s grandeur stems from its ties to Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, who considered moving the Ming capital to Xi’an. After his heir, Crown Prince Zhu Biao, surveyed the site and praised Xi’an’s strategic advantages, the tower was built to imperial standards—its triple-eaved roof rivaling Beijing’s Forbidden City halls. But the prince’s sudden death shattered relocation plans, leaving the Bell Tower as a monument to unrealized ambition.
Despite its royal origins, the Bell Tower adapted to Xi’an’s urban changes. Its 1582 move preserved the original wooden structure, ensuring centuries of continuity. Today, it stands as a testament to Ming engineering and the city’s enduring legacy as the Silk Road’s eastern gateway.
Xi’an Bell Tower Architecture
The Bell Tower stands on a massive square brick base (8.6m high, 35.5m wide, covering 1,377㎡). Above rises a two-story wooden pavilion with open corridors and ornate columns, featuring the distinctive “triple-eave hipped roof” (重檐三滴水) design that creates the illusion of three stories – a classic feature in traditional Chinese architecture. The 27-meter structure is crowned with golden spires, bringing the total height to 36 meters, with interior access via a spiral staircase.
Ming-era artistry shines through its dark green glazed tiles, gold-plated roof, and vibrant painted beams. The triple eaves—both decorative and functional—deflect rainfall while creating a dramatic silhouette. Square-to-octagonal transitions and carved stone railings add to its unique harmony of strength and elegance.
What to See inside the Bell Tower?
Jingyun Bell
Legend says the ancient Jingyun Bell refused to ring after its 1582 move. Today’s 6.5-ton replica (1997) continues its legacy, while the Tang original rests in Xi’an’s Forest of Stone Tablets Museum.
Three Steles
Three steles adorn the west wall: a 1953 restoration record, a 1740 Qing Dynasty inscription by Governor Zhang Kai, and a Ming-era relocation poem by Inspector Gong Maoxian – collectively chronicling 600 years of the tower’s imperial legacy.
Relief Sculptures
The Bell Tower’s architectural beauty shines through its decorative elements: eight narrative relief sculptures on every door telling ancient stories, combined with ceiling paintings of mythological and folk scenes. This harmonious blend of woodcarving and painting represents the pinnacle of Ming Dynasty decorative artistry.
In addition, there is a small museum here that displays some of Xi’an’s historical relics and artworks, allowing people to have a more comprehensive understanding of Xi’an’s history and culture.
Best Time to Vist Bell Tower
For the most enjoyable experience, plan your visit on weekdays before 10am or after 3pm to avoid large crowds. The early morning offers peaceful serenity, while late afternoon provides beautiful natural lighting for photography. As night falls, don’t miss the tower’s magical transformation – it illuminates at precisely 7:30pm daily, glowing like a golden jewel against the dark sky. This breathtaking light show enhances the tower’s intricate architectural details, creating unforgettable photo opportunities.
Best Photo Spots at Xi’an Bell Tower
Kaiyuan Shopping Mall’s 5F Viewing Deck
The Viewing Deck of Kaiyuan Shopping Mall is an excellent perspective to capture the beauty of the bell tower and its surroundings, allowing you to have a panoramic view, especially at night.
The entrance of Kaiyuan Shopping Mall also offers a great vantage point for photographing the Bell Tower.
Cháhuà Nòng Teahouse
Nestled beside the Bell Tower Hotel, this teahouse offers window seats with picture-perfect views of the landmark. Sip authentic Chinese tea while capturing stunning shots – the ultimate blend of relaxation and photography.
Yongningmen City Wall
For the perfect blend of history and modernity, head to Yongningmen (South Gate) section of the city wall. Standing along the central axis with the Bell Tower, you’ll capture breathtaking shots of ancient architecture framed against Xi’an’s vibrant city traffic.
Bell Tower vs. Drum Tower in Xi’an
These Ming Dynasty landmarks once kept time for the ancient capital. The Bell Tower features elegant triple eaves and offers perfect city views from its square base. Nearby, the Drum Tower impresses with its rectangular shape and colorful glazed roof.
While both served as timekeepers (using bell and drum respectively), today they offer different experiences:
- The Drum Tower hosts exciting drum performances (8 daily shows)
- The Bell Tower provides the best photo opportunities
Located just minutes apart, they’re best visited together with a combo ticket. The Bell Tower stands at the modern city center, while the Drum Tower neighbors the lively Muslim Quarter – letting you experience both historic and modern Xi’an in one visit.
Note: From the Bell Tower, an underground passage leads directly to the Drum Tower.
How to Get to Bell Tower
By Metro
Take Metro Line 2 or Line 6 and get off at Bell Tower Station, then take Exit C (from Line 2) or Exit E (from Line 6) to reach the Bell Tower directly.
By Bus
- Take bus no. 6, 11, 26, 46, 16, 29, 35, 208, 209, 603, 605, 608, 609, 616 ro Bell Tower South;
- Take bus no. 15, 32, 43, 45, 201, 215, 218, 221, 222, 251, 252, 286, 300, 604, 611, 612, 618, 622 to Bell Tower West;
- Take bus no. 4, 12, 26, 36, 37, 229, 235, 600, 618, Tourist Bus 7 to Bell Tower North.
Xi’an City Sightseeing Bus
Almost all city sightseeing buses pass Bell Tower, with frequent departures from major attractions.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Book your ticket now| Entrance Fee | Bell Tower only: CNY 30 Drum Tower only: CNY 30 Joint ticket of Bell and Drum Tower: CNY 50 |
| Opening Hours | Peak Season (April 1 to October 10): 08:30-21:30 (Ticket selling stops at 21:00.) Off Season (October 11 to March 31): 08:30-18:00 (Ticket selling stops at 17:30.) |
Shopping Around the Bell Tower
Just steps from the Bell Tower, you’ll find three shopping gems beloved by locals and visitors alike. Kaiyuan Shopping Mall dazzles with its mix of international brands and a stunning rooftop view of the historic center.
Right next door, Minsheng Department Store offers authentic Chinese fashion at wallet-friendly prices.
For true local flavor, Luo Ma Shi Pedestrian Street buzzes with silk scarves, handcrafted souvenirs and mouthwatering street snacks.
Whether you’re splurging on designer goods or hunting for bargain keepsakes, this shopping triangle has something for every taste and budget.
Top Three Hotels to Stay near Bell Tower
Luxury Option
Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an – This meticulously restored heritage palace (1953) blends French elegance with Tang Dynasty grandeur, featuring 24/7 butler service, a private Bell Tower viewing terrace, and opulent suites from $200-$450 per night.
Middle Option
Yun He Ye Bo Hotel (Xi’an Zhonggulou South Gate) – located near Xi’an City Wall (500m to City Walk, 1.3km to Bell Tower), offering clean accommodations with standard amenities at $106-260 per night.
Budget Pick
Orange Hotel (Xi ‘an Bell tower Huimin Street Shop) – located 200m from the Bell Tower, with direct access to Muslim Quarter’s food stalls. Rates: $50-80/night for basic rooms.
Nearby Attractions
- Xi’an City Wall (about 1.7 km): the best-preserved ancient fortification in China, where you can cycle atop history with panoramic city views.
- Muslim Quarter (about 500 m): Xi’an’s iconic food street – feast on yangrou paomo (crumbled bread in mutton soup) and other local delicacies in this bustling culinary paradise.