The Bell Tower and Drum Tower: Center of Ancient Xi’an
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower: Center of Ancient Xi’an The Bell Tower sits exactly in the middle of old Xi’an. The Drum Tower stands 200 meters west. Both date to the 14th century. The Bell Tower once marked time for the entire city. The giant bell inside is a replica, but the view from the top gives you a sense of Xi’an’s grid layout. The Drum Tower has 24 drums — one for each solar term of the Chinese calendar. A drum performance happens several times daily (check times at the entrance). Buy a combo ticket (50 RMB) for both. Visit the Bell Tower first, then walk to the Drum Tower. From the Drum Tower, you’re steps away from the Muslim Quarter. Best at sunset. The towers light up, and the surrounding traffic circle becomes a river of red tail lights. Metro: Zhonglou Station (Line 2), Exit C.