Exploring the Historic Xi’an Bell Tower: A Cultural Landmark in China

Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a passionate traveler with a deep love for history and culture. During my travels, I’ve explored the world, but my heart always returns to China’s ancient architecture and ruins. Today, I’m excited to take you through Xi’an to explore one of its most iconic landmarks—the Xi’an Bell Tower. Join me as we uncover its rich history and cultural significance, making your visit not just a sightseeing tour, but a journey into the past.

Xi’an Bell Tower Overview

The Xi’an Bell Tower, located in the heart of Xi’an, is one of the largest and best-preserved bell towers in China. Its location is highly significant, situated at the intersection of four major streets within the ancient Ming city walls. Originally built in the 17th year of the Hongwu reign during the Ming Dynasty (1384), the Bell Tower was first located at the intersection of Guangji Street. It stood opposite the Drum Tower until the 10th year of the Wanli reign (1582), when it was relocated to its current position.

The Bell Tower features a traditional brick-and-wood structure with three levels and a sloping roof at each corner, making it a stunning example of ancient Chinese architecture. The tower stands at a height of 36 meters and covers an area of 1,377 square meters, showcasing the impressive scale and preservation of this historical monument.

• Address: City center, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
• Opening Hours:
  • Off-Season (October 11 to March 31): 08:30 AM – 06:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
  • Peak Season (April 1 to October 10): 08:30 AM – 09:30 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)
• Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Official Website: Click here to visit
• How to Buy Tickets: Click to Purchase

Why Visit the Xi’an Bell Tower?

The Xi’an Bell Tower is not only one of the largest and most historically significant bell towers in China, but it also holds centuries of Chinese history and culture. Built during the 17th year of the Hongwu era in the Ming Dynasty (1384), the tower has undergone several repairs and reconstructions over the years, yet it still maintains its original appearance. In ancient times, the Bell Tower served as the center for both alarms and timekeeping in the city of Xi’an. Each time the bell rang, it marked the beginning of a new moment in time.

Beyond its historical significance, the architectural design and structure of the Bell Tower are also remarkable. Each floor of the tower features unique architectural details, and the tower’s four-cornered, spire-like roof design is considered a classic example of ancient Chinese architecture. If you’re visiting Xi’an, the Bell Tower is a cultural heritage site you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Things to Do at the Xi’an Bell Tower

Explore the Bell Tower’s Key Attractions

The Jingyun Bell: The “World’s Number One Bell”

The Jingyun Bell was cast in the second year of the Tang Dynasty’s Jingyun era (711 AD). Emperor Ruizong of Tang personally wrote an inscription for the bell. Standing at 2 meters tall, with a diameter of 1.5 meters and weighing over 10,000 kilograms, the bell is renowned for its intricate design and powerful resonance. The bell was originally used in the Royal Taoist temple, Jinglong Temple (later renamed Yingxiang Temple), located at the intersection of Xi Street and Guangji Street. Its sound could be heard for miles around.

The Jingyun Bell has a rich cultural legacy: it was recorded by China National Radio and even featured in the famous CCTV Spring Festival Gala (the traditional Chinese New Year’s Eve performance). The bell’s chimes are played each year to mark the turning of the year. In 2000, it even appeared on a Chinese postage stamp, earning the title “World’s Number One Bell.”

It’s important to note that the bell currently on display at the Xi’an Bell Tower is a replica. The original Jingyun Bell is now housed at the Xi’an Stele Forest Museum.

Carved Window and Door Panels

The door and window carvings of the Xi’an Bell Tower are intricate and detailed, showcasing the decorative arts popular during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Each floor features eight carved panels that are not just ornamental but also rich with cultural meaning. Each carving is closely tied to famous Chinese myths and historical figures, offering a glimpse into traditional stories and the characters that shaped Chinese history.

For instance, the carvings on the south door of the second floor depict the famous Taoist legend of the “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” where each immortal showcases their unique abilities and powers. This carving symbolizes the deep influence of Taoist culture. From east to west, the immortals are: Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, Lü Dongbin, Cao Guojie, Tie Guaili, Lan Caihe, Han Xiangzi, and He Xiangu.

Chime Performance (at the Drum Tower)

After visiting the Xi’an Bell Tower, you can easily walk through the underground passage to reach the nearby Drum Tower, another historic landmark. In addition to its magnificent architecture, the Drum Tower also hosts a captivating chime performance. Chimes, an ancient Chinese percussion instrument, have a long history and are often played in a solemn atmosphere, adding a deep cultural resonance to the experience.

From the Bell Tower, simply walk through the underground passage, and you’ll find yourself at the Drum Tower. The chime performances take place at the following times: 9:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00.

Bell Tower Ticket Guide

The entrances and exits for the Bell Tower Museum are located at the underground passage of the Bell Tower. The Drum Tower Museum is accessible from the Drum Tower Square.

Ticket Prices:

• Bell Tower Ticket: 30 RMB per person.
• Bell Tower and Drum Tower Combined Ticket: 50 RMB per person. This ticket includes access to both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. A single ticket for the Drum Tower is also available for 30 RMB per person.
• Free Admission: Senior citizens aged 65 and above (inclusive) and children aged 6 and below (inclusive) can visit for free, but they must be accompanied by a guardian.

Offline Ticket Purchase Location: Ticket Counter，Exit 8 of the Bell Tower underpass.

Online: Official WeChat accounts or popular online travel platforms. How to Buy Tickets: Click to Purchase

Recommended Bell Tower Tour Route

Xi’an Bell Tower is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by many historic landmarks. If you’re looking to explore the essence of this ancient city, I’ve put together a classic tour route that will let you experience the best of Xi’an with ease. Here’s the route I recommend:

Xi’an Bell Tower – Drum Tower – Muslim Quarter – City Wall – Shuyuanmen – Great Tang All Day Mall

• Muslim Quarter: Just a short walk from the Drum Tower, the famous Muslim Quarter is a food lover’s paradise. As you stroll through the vibrant streets of this neighborhood, you’ll be able to sample authentic Xi’an snacks, such as Roujiamo (Chinese burger), Liangpi (cold noodles), and Yangrou Paomo (lamb stew with flatbread). The area is rich in ethnic culture and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the local way of life and the true spirit of Xi’an.
• Xi’an City Wall: From the Muslim Quarter, it’s easy to reach the ancient Xi’an City Wall, either by foot or taxi. The Xi’an City Wall is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, offering an impressive glimpse into the past. You can walk along the top of the wall, admire its ancient defensive architecture, and enjoy panoramic views of the entire city. The city wall is not only a historical military defense structure but also a testament to China’s rich cultural heritage.

How to Get to the Bell Tower in Xi’an

The Bell Tower in Xi’an is conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to access via public transportation. Whether you prefer taking the subway or a bus, getting to the Bell Tower is simple. Below are some common transportation options:

Subway

• Line 2: Get off at Bell Tower Station and take Exit C.
• Line 6: Get off at Bell Tower Station and take Exit E.

Bus

• You can take buses 611, 251, 43, 218, 201, 610, 609, 15, 26, 36, 32, 302, or 222 to reach the Bell Tower.

Recommended Restaurants Near the Bell Tower

• Zhao Ji Vegetarian Restaurant
  • Zhao Ji Vegetarian is a traditional vegetarian spot in Xi’an, famous for its freshly made mung bean cakes. The restaurant offers five different flavors of mung bean cakes, with the signature mung bean being the most classic. These cakes have a thin crust, a generous filling, and a subtle mung bean fragrance. Their mildly sweet taste makes them perfect as a snack or tea-time treat. Every mung bean cake is made fresh on the day, and even when ordered for takeaway, you can still feel the warmth.
  • Address: No. 41 Zhuba City, Beilin District, Xi’an (480 meters walk from Guangji Street Metro Station, Exit C)
• Mi Su Flower Buns
  • Mi Su Flower Buns is a small but flavorful shop located deep inside the Bell Tower area. Their specialty is the flower bun, which is made fresh daily using dough fermented with a traditional starter, making it incredibly soft. The meat fillings are fresh, and they offer a variety of flavors. If you’re in the mood for a traditional Xi’an snack, Mi Su Flower Buns is a must-try spot.
  • Address: 50 meters inside the North Gate of Bell Tower Community, Beilin District, Xi’an (190 meters walk from Bell Tower Metro Station, Exit 2)

FAQ

Is the Bell Tower accessible for strollers?

The interior of the Xi’an Bell Tower has some stairs and steps, which may make it difficult to navigate with a stroller.

Is the Bell Tower suitable for visitors with strollers?

The interior of the Xi’an Bell Tower includes some steps and stairs, which may make it challenging for visitors with strollers. It’s recommended to check the accessibility options before visiting if you’re planning to bring one.