- Chinese names: 钟楼 (Zhōnglóu, Bell Tower) and 鼓楼 (Gǔlóu, Drum Tower)
- Era: Ming dynasty — Drum Tower built 1380; Bell Tower built 1384 and moved to its current central crossroads in 1582
- Bell Tower location: At the intersection of Xi'an's four main downtown roads
- Drum Tower location: A short walk from the Bell Tower, marking the entrance to the Muslim Quarter
- Traditional roles: Commonly described as marking time — the bell traditionally rung at dawn, the drum beaten at dusk
- At night: Both towers are lit up, and occasional bell or drum performances may run; confirm current schedules locally
Bell Tower vs Drum Tower — what's the difference?
They're two separate Ming-dynasty towers a short walk apart, not two names for the same building. The Bell Tower sits at Xi'an's central crossroads; the Drum Tower marks the boundary of the Muslim Quarter just to its northwest.
Bell Tower
Historically housed a large bell used, according to tradition, to mark the time of day. It sits at the meeting point of Xi'an's main north-south and east-west roads.
Drum Tower
Paired historically with the bell to mark time in the other direction, and today stands at the gateway into the Muslim Quarter's food streets.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower compared
Most visitors see both on the same short walk, since they're only a few minutes apart on foot.
| Tower | Location | Connects to |
|---|---|---|
| Bell Tower | City-center crossroads | Xi'an's main downtown shopping and roads |
| Drum Tower | Northwest of the Bell Tower | The Muslim Quarter and Beiyuanmen food street |
Going up vs staying at street level
Both towers can be appreciated from outside, but going up (where currently permitted) adds a view over the surrounding old city and, at the Bell Tower especially, the traffic circle beneath it.
Common Bell Tower & Drum Tower mistakes
Assuming they're the same building
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are two separate structures a short walk apart, each with its own history and location.
Only seeing them from a moving taxi
Both sit in a pedestrian-friendly area; it's worth the short walk to see them up close rather than only glimpsing them from traffic.
Skipping the Drum Tower because the Bell Tower is more famous
The Drum Tower is the gateway to the Muslim Quarter — skipping it means missing an easy, walkable link between two of Xi'an's best areas.
Bell Tower & Drum Tower FAQ
- They're two separate Ming-dynasty towers. The Bell Tower sits at Xi'an's central crossroads; the Drum Tower is a short walk away, at the entrance to the Muslim Quarter.
- Access rules and hours can change; confirm current information locally or through current listings before planning around going up either tower.
- Both can be viewed and photographed from street level for free; going up may involve a separate entry fee — confirm current pricing on-site.
- They're close enough to see both on the same short walk, a few minutes apart in the old city center.
- Both are lit up at night, which is a popular time for photos; daytime visits are quieter and better if you plan to go inside either tower.
Plan a Xi'an visit
The Bell Tower, Drum Tower, city wall and Muslim Quarter all sit within walking distance of each other and work well as one city-center outing.
Want this sequenced into a full Xi'an plan?
