Live Your Best Lives
Visit the Weinan Drum Tower for a mix of history and scenic views. You can explore the structure's impressive architecture, take in the surrounding city views, and learn about the historical significance of the Drum Tower in the region. It's a great spot for photography and a peaceful stroll through Huayin.
Located in the old city of Linwei District, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province, the Weinan Drum Tower was built in the ninth year of the Sui Dynasty (1644-1114) and serves as the central building of Weinan County. During the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, the county was expanded and the Drum Tower became part of the Weinan County Government.
The building is a double-story structure built in the style of a city wall. The brick platform is 26.80 meters long from east to west, 4.70 meters wide from north to south, and 6.8 meters high. The base measures 14.6 meters from east to west and 10.79 meters from north to south. The building is a double-story hip-and-gable style structure with a glazed tile roof. The lower level is 16.6 meters wide and 10 meters deep. It is surrounded by columns: six on the east and west sides and five on the north and south sides. There are two octagonal windows on each of the north and south sides. The upper level houses three attics. There are two octagonal windows on each of the south sides of the brick platform. The upper level also houses three attics.
The Drum Tower on the north side features star tracks. The upper floor has three attics. The brick platform has two octagonal windows on each south side. The upper floor also has three attics. The brick platform faces north and south, with a 16.6-meter-long doorway. On either side of the doorway are inlaid stones inscribed with the words "Three Qins' Important Road, Eight Provinces' Communication." It was designated a county-level cultural relic protection site in 1957.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate has four distinct seasons, with changeable spring weather, hot and rainy summer, cool and refreshing autumn, and sunny, cold and dry winter. All four seasons are suitable for travel.
It is recommended to play for about 10 minutes.
free
Open all day
The Weinan Drum Tower is an iconic historical structure in Huayin, Shaanxi. It was built during the Tang Dynasty and served as an important cultural and military landmark. The tower was used for military purposes to signal the time and important events in the region. Today, it stands as a symbol of Weinan's history and culture.
The Weinan Drum Tower is located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province, China. To reach the site, you can take a taxi or bus from the Weinan city center, which is about 10-15 minutes away. Public transportation is available, and you can also walk if you're staying nearby.
The Drum Tower is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding crowds.
The entrance fee for the Weinan Drum Tower is approximately ¥30 (Chinese Yuan). Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and some online platforms also offer tickets for convenience.
It's not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it's recommended during peak seasons or holidays to avoid long queues. Booking a day or two ahead should be sufficient.
It will take around 1-2 hours to fully explore the Weinan Drum Tower. This includes time for sightseeing, learning about its history, and taking in the views from the tower.
The must-see highlights include the tower's architectural design, the bell room, and the panoramic views of Huayin and the surrounding region. The historical plaques and exhibits about the Tang Dynasty era are also worth seeing.
Guided tours are available at the Weinan Drum Tower, and audio guides can be rented at the entrance. Most tours are in Mandarin, but it’s worth asking if English-speaking guides are available.
The best photography spots are at the top of the Drum Tower, where you can capture sweeping views of Huayin, and the surrounding mountains. The intricate details of the tower’s architecture also provide great close-up shots.
Start at the base of the tower and explore the courtyard and surrounding areas. Then, make your way up to the tower’s main floor, where you can take in the historical displays and enjoy the views. Don’t forget to explore the bell room at the top.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available at the Weinan Drum Tower. However, the tower is beautifully illuminated at night, making it an excellent spot for evening photos.
The tower can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, especially early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
There are rest areas and public toilets available near the entrance. Small food and drink stalls are available, and souvenir shops sell local handicrafts and traditional items.
The attraction is somewhat accessible, but the tower itself has stairs, making it difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can easily enjoy the area, but assistance may be required for those with mobility challenges.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at the site. It's recommended to use mobile payment methods as they are widely available in China.
There are local restaurants near the Drum Tower that serve traditional Shaanxi cuisine, including roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), lamb skewers, and biangbiang noodles.
Vegetarian options are available in most local restaurants, though halal food may be harder to find. It's best to ask at restaurants for specific dietary options.
There are several hotels around Huayin, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Some hotels offer scenic views and are within a short drive of the Weinan Drum Tower.
Nearby attractions include Mount Huashan, known for its beautiful peaks and hiking routes. It's easy to combine a visit to the Weinan Drum Tower with a day trip to Mount Huashan for a more immersive experience.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the Drum Tower selling local crafts, calligraphy, and tea. You can also find souvenirs related to the Tang Dynasty culture and traditional Shaanxi handicrafts.
After visiting the Weinan Drum Tower, taxis or local buses are the best transportation options to explore nearby attractions or continue your journey. For longer trips, you can take a train or bus to other parts of Shaanxi.
