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Xi'an's Bell and Drum Towers, located at the intersection of four main streets (east, west, south, and north), cover an area of 60,000 square meters, second only to Tiananmen Square in Beijing. To the east of the square stands the Bell Tower, boasting over 600 years of history, while to the west stands the country's largest Drum Tower. The completion of the Bell and Drum Tower Square in the late 1990s allowed the Bell and Drum Towers to now face each other.
Today , the Bell and Drum Tower Square is covered in lush greenery, its lawn divided by stone slabs into nine longitudes and nine latitudes, reminiscent of the checkerboard-like structure of the Tang Dynasty Chang'an neighborhoods. To the north of the square are renowned time-honored shops like Tongshengxiang , Defachang , and Wang Haitang; beneath the square lies the Century Ginwa Shopping Center .
There's also a musical fountain on the Bell and Drum Tower Square. At night, the square, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower are all lit up, creating a truly stunning sight. Even if you don't climb the Bell or Drum Tower, simply admiring the stunning night view from the square is a truly unique experience.
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The Bell and Drum Towers in Xi'an are historic landmarks dating back to the Ming Dynasty. They were used to keep time in ancient China, with the Bell Tower signaling the dawn and the Drum Tower marking dusk. These towers symbolize Xi'an’s rich cultural heritage and serve as reminders of the city’s importance during the Tang Dynasty, when it was the capital of China.
The Bell and Drum Tower Square is located in the center of Xi'an, easily accessible by metro (Line 2, Bell Tower Station), bus, taxi, or walking from nearby attractions like the Muslim Quarter and the ancient city wall.
The Bell Tower is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, while the Drum Tower is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler weather.
The entrance fee for the Bell Tower and Drum Tower is typically around 35-50 RMB for each, with discounts for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through local ticketing platforms.
While it's not necessary to book tickets in advance, it's recommended during peak tourist seasons or public holidays. Booking a day or two ahead will ensure availability, especially for the Drum Tower performances.
It typically takes 1-2 hours to fully explore both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, including time to climb the towers and enjoy the views from the top.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, with some tours offering English-speaking guides. Audio guides in English are also available for rent at the entrance of both towers.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the Bell and Drum Towers, offering a great panoramic view of the city center, ancient city walls, and surrounding markets. The square itself also provides excellent photo opportunities with the two towers in the background.
Start with the Bell Tower to explore its history and view the ancient bells, then head to the Drum Tower for the drum performance and more city views. Finish by exploring the surrounding Bell and Drum Tower Square and the nearby markets.
Night visits are available, and the towers are beautifully lit up in the evening. There are also occasional light shows and performances in the square. It's a great place to visit at night for both the lighting and the vibrant atmosphere.
The Bell and Drum Tower Square can get quite crowded during peak tourist seasons, especially in the afternoon. The least crowded times to visit are early in the morning or late in the evening, particularly on weekdays.
There are public toilets in the square and inside the towers. Food and drink are available from nearby vendors, and there are many shops selling souvenirs, including traditional Chinese crafts and local snacks.
The Bell and Drum Towers are accessible to most visitors, although climbing the towers might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. The square area is fully accessible, with flat walkways for easy navigation.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted at most places around the square and for entrance fees. Credit cards are also commonly accepted at nearby restaurants and shops.
There are several restaurants and cafes in the area surrounding the square, offering both traditional Chinese cuisine and international options. Nearby food streets like the Muslim Quarter offer a variety of street food and local delicacies.
Vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available in Xi'an, particularly in the Muslim Quarter, where halal food is prevalent. Many restaurants around the square also cater to vegetarian and vegan diets.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling traditional Chinese crafts, calligraphy, silk products, and local snacks like dried fruits and Xi'an-style cookies.
The best transportation options after visiting the Bell and Drum Tower Square are taxis or the Xi'an Metro (Line 2), which is nearby. Public buses also provide convenient access to other parts of the city.
