Bell Tower and Drum Tower

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the city of Xi'an date back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Four streets radiate from the Bell Tower, extending to the north, south, west and east. The Drum Tower is at a short distance, to the northwest of the Bell Tower. Each Ming city had a bell tower and a drum tower. The bell was sounded at dawn and the drum at dusk.

Bell Tower
The Bell Tower in Xi'an is situated in the very heart of the city and at the junction of four main roads. The original city Bell Tower was situated to the west of this site and the present construction was built in 1582 and restored in 1739. More Information...

Drum Tower
To the west of the Bell Tower is the Drum Tower which was built in 1380. the Drum Tower also has a triple-eaved, two-storey wooden structure high off its rectangular brick platform. It is altogether 33 meters high, 52.6 meters wide, covering more than 1970 square meters. Parapets on each tier surround the center and The elegance and grandeur outer eaves decorated with wooden arches reveals much of the superb architectural artifice. This tower marks the entrance to the city's Muslim Quarter which is a lovely area to wander and observe.
There used to be a huge drum in the tower which told the time at dusk; hence, the name Drum Tower. The bell in the Bell Tower and the drum in the Drum Tower, have been referred to as "the Morning Bell" and "the Dusk Drum".
The Drum Tower is a very strong and solid building. It has withstood more than ten earthquakes for over 500 years and there is not a single crack appearing on it.
The Drum Tower is now a historic monument in Shaanxi Province. After two large-scale renovations, the tower has been restored to its former beauty.

Xian Tour Routes Covers Bell & Drum Tower
XD-2. Xian One Day City Tour
XH-7. 6 Days Xian Complete Tour
XK-7. Xian 6 Days Complete Tour

Photo of Bell and Drum Tower