Bell Tower and Drum Tower
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower stand facing each other and are known together as the “Sister Towers”. Both were built in the Ming dynasty and are more than 600 years old. In ancient times,…
Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Xi'an
Key facts
- Admission
- Drum Tower ¥30; Bell Tower ¥30; combined Bell and Drum Towers ticket ¥50
- Opening hours
- 8:30–21:30 (peak season); 8:30–18:00 (off-season)
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Getting there
- Near Bell Tower bus stop, Bell Tower West bus stop and Bell Tower subway station
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 641. Open in Google Maps
About Bell Tower and Drum Tower
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower stand facing each other and are known together as the “Sister Towers”. Both were built in the Ming dynasty and are more than 600 years old. In ancient times, time was announced by the “morning bell and evening drum”. The Bell Tower houses a huge bell and preserves many ancient chime bells, while the Drum Tower holds a large drum covered with a single cowhide. Visitors can try striking the bell or the drum when they climb up.
Tips from the guidebook
- Drum Tower chime bell and drum performance times: 9:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Bell Tower and Drum Tower cost?
Admission to Bell Tower and Drum Tower is Drum Tower ¥30; Bell Tower ¥30; combined Bell and Drum Towers ticket ¥50, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Bell Tower and Drum Tower?
Bell Tower and Drum Tower is open 8:30–21:30 (peak season); 8:30–18:00 (off-season).
How do I get to Bell Tower and Drum Tower?
Near Bell Tower bus stop, Bell Tower West bus stop and Bell Tower subway station
How long should I spend at Bell Tower and Drum Tower?
Plan on 1 hour for Bell Tower and Drum Tower.
Where is Bell Tower and Drum Tower?
Bell Tower and Drum Tower is in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, in the Northwest of China.
More places in Xi'an
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