How to Visit Xi'an's Bell Tower: Local Guide's Expert Tips

The Bell Tower, located in the heart of Xi'an, is an iconic landmark of the city. More than just an ancient structure, it stands as a guardian of history, witnessing the rise and fall of this millennium-old capital.

As a tour guide, every time I stand beneath the Bell Tower, I am struck by the depth and richness of its history. The intricately carved beams and painted rafters, combined with the melodious chime of the bell, create a captivating atmosphere. It's truly a must-visit gem when you come to Xi'an.

Drawing from my experience as a guide, I've written this article to provide you with everything you need to know about visiting the Bell Tower.

Facts about the Bell Tower:

• Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 6 pm in the off-season (October 11 to March 31); 8:30 am to 9:30 pm in the peak season (April 1 to October 10)
• Ticket Price: 30 CNY (4 USD)
• Reservation Method: Book tickets online through Trip.com or by scanning the QR code. No reservation is required in the off-season.
• Height: 36 meters
• Recommended Visiting Time: Approximately 40 minutes
• Location: Directly opposite Exit C of the Bell Tower Station on Xi'an Metro Line 2, at the intersection of the four main streets within the Xi'an City Wall.

Mervyn Yang

15 Years as a Local Guide in Xi'an

Hi, I'm Mervyn, born and raised in Xi'an. Over the past 30-40 years, I've witnessed the city's remarkable transformation, from its streets and buildings to its culture and lifestyle. Since 2010, I've been a local tour guide, catering to diverse groups with varying needs. I love sharing Xi'an's stunning scenery, authentic local cuisine, rich history, and traditional architecture. I look forward to meeting you here!

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• What to See inside the Tower
• Best Times
• How to Take the Best Photos
• Bell Tower vs. Drum Tower
• Recommended Places around the Tower
• Transportation
• Why Was It Built

What to See inside the Bell Tower?

The interior of the Bell Tower

There are many attractions inside the Bell Tower.

You can find historic relics, including a replica of the Jingyun Bell (the original is housed in the Xi'an Forest of Stone Tablets Museum) and three steles on the west wall of the first-floor hall that detail its history.

The decorative art is captivating, featuring eight relief sculptures on each door leaf of the first floor. These sculptures are rich with ancient allusions, while the beams and purlins are adorned with colorful yet solemn painted patterns depicting mythological scenes and aspects of folk life.

The sightseeing experience is exceptional, as the surrounding corridors provide excellent vantage points to take in the beautiful scenery of Xi'an, including its bustling streets and diverse, stunning architecture.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Bell Tower?

To avoid peak crowd times, it's best to visit before 10 am or after 3 pm. Weekdays are also better than weekends.

How to Take the Best Photos at the Bell Tower?

To capture stunning photos, I recommend three great angles during the day:

• 1. The circular pedestrian passage in front of the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square.

The Bell Tower shot at the circular pedestrian passage in front of the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square

• 2. The area in front of the Bell Tower Hotel.

The Bell Tower shot in front of the Bell Tower Hotel

• 3. The spot in front of Kaiyuan Shopping Mall.

the Bell Tower shot in front of Kaiyuan Shopping Mall

In the evening, in addition to these three locations, the rooftop of the fifth floor of Kaiyuan Shopping Mall offers a beautiful perspective. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Bell Tower and take in the night scenes of the four streets (east, west, south, and north) surrounding it.

Bell Tower vs. Drum Tower in Xi'an

The Bell Tower (left) vs The Drum Tower (right)

Both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower were built in the early Ming Dynasty and served as timekeeping structures. They house rich historical and cultural relics.

They have some differences in architectural style. The Bell Tower features a pyramidal roof with four corners and triple eaves, giving it a delicate and upright appearance.

In contrast, the Drum Tower boasts a gorgeous glazed tile roof with triple eaves, showcasing its nobility. Both towers reflect the typical architectural style of the Ming Dynasty and are worth visiting.

If you're short on time, the Bell Tower is better positioned for overlooking the four main streets and capturing photos, so I recommend prioritizing it. Additionally, there are discounts available for combined tickets to both the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower.

If you want to see some performances, then go to the Drum Tower. The Drum Tower hosts regular drum and bell performances at various times throughout the day. Each performance lasts approximately 10 minutes and is definitely worth your time.

The specific performance times are as follows:

• Morning: 9:30 am, 10:15 am, 11 am, 11:45 am
• Afternoon: 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm

The performances take place in the exhibition hall on the second floor of the Drum Tower.

Drum performances

Recommended Places to Have Fun around the Bell Tower

The Muslim Quarter

Our guests enjoy snacks at Muslim Street

A paradise for foodies, the Muslim Quarter is home to a wide variety of Xi'an's signature snacks, such as Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup and Steamed Glutinous Rice with Dates.

Be sure to try Jia San Soup Dumplings, a century-old restaurant located on the main street. Their soup dumplings are renowned for their unique flavor, featuring wrappers as thin as paper, a chewy yet soft texture, juicy fillings, and a rich, savory dipping sauce.

Explore Xi'an with a food adventure in our 3-Day Essence of Xi'an Tour

The Xi'an City Wall

Our guests riding on the City Wall

The city wall is just a 10-minute walk from the Bell Tower, with easy access to both the South Gate and North Gate. You can rent a bike to ride along the wall, enjoying scenic views of the ancient city and experiencing the rich history it embodies.

Nearby Shopping Areas

Kaiyuan Shopping Mall, Minsheng Department Store, and Luo Ma Shi Pedestrian Street are good options for shopping around the Bell Tower.

These popular shopping destinations are frequented by locals. They offer a wide variety of fashionable goods, catering to all budgets with high-end, mid-range, and low-end products.

• Xi'an's Best Shopping Areas

How to Get to the Bell Tower

Transportation to the Bell Tower is quite convenient. It is located near the Zhongshan Lou Subway Station.

However, the subway can often be crowded. If you prefer a more comfortable travel experience, opting for a private car is an excellent choice.

6-Day Beijing and Xian Tour Time Travel in Two Ancient Chinese Capitals

Why Was the Bell Tower Built?

The primary purposes of bell towers in ancient times were to keep time and issue warnings. In an era without precise timekeeping tools, the sound of the bell served as a reliable indicator of the hour.

Additionally, in emergencies such as foreign invasions or fires, ringing the bell alerted the populace, allowing for a timely response. Furthermore, bell towers held symbolic significance, reflecting the order and majesty of the city.