Bell and Drum Tower Square

Overview

Bell and Drum Tower Square is a historic site located in the heart of Xi'an, featuring the iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower. These structures are significant symbols of ancient Chinese architecture and culture.

The Bell and Drum Towers are important historical landmarks that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Xi'an and the Tang Dynasty.

Architectural Monument Cultural Landmark

Location

Address

Beilin, Xian, Shaanxi

Neighborhood: Beilin District

Coordinates

34.265100, 108.953800

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

tuesday 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

wednesday 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

thursday 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

friday 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

saturday 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

sunday 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission

Adults

¥50 (Bell Tower), ¥25 (Drum Tower), ¥75 (Combo ticket)

Children

¥25 (Bell Tower), ¥15 (Drum Tower), ¥40 (Combo ticket) (ages 6-18)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• cherry blossoms
• spring festivals

summer

hot and humid

• extended visiting hours
• water features

autumn

cool and dry

• fall foliage
• harvest festivals

winter

cold, occasional snow

• holiday lights
• winter festivals

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring valid ID
Check weather and dress accordingly

What to Bring

essential

ID water bottle printed or digital tickets

seasonal

light jacket (spring/autumn) umbrella (summer) warm coat (winter)

not allowed

large bags or backpacks drones professional camera equipment without permit

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low to moderate (some walking and stair climbing)

• stair climbing in towers
• crowded areas during peak times

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash (RMB), credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)

Currency

Chinese Yuan (RMB)

Typical Costs

entry ¥50 (Bell Tower), ¥25 (Drum Tower)

parking ¥30

food ¥50-100

souvenirs ¥20-200

Dress Code

casual and comfortable, comfortable shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, walking shoes or sneakers, inappropriate or revealing clothing, high heels

Booking Tips

• at least 1 week in advance for peak season
• official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 48 hours in advance for full refund
• available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Xi'an Bell and Drum Tower

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe and restaurant areas

Charging Stations: Rest areas and visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30-45 minutes

taxi

¥150-200 30 min

public_transport

¥20 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

metro

¥2 10 min

bus

¥1.50 15 min

taxi

¥15-20 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The Bell and Drum Towers are iconic symbols of Xi'an's rich history and cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

Historical Significance: The Bell Tower was built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty and served as a crucial timekeeping device for the city. The Drum Tower, built in 1380, was used to mark the time and signal the opening and closing of the city gates.

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
The best local snacks can be found near the back entrance of the square
Local guides often share fascinating stories and history that you won't find in guidebooks

Local Recommendations

• Try local snacks at the Muslim Quarter
• Visit the nearby Great Mosque
• Explore the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)

thank_you 谢谢 (Xièxiè)

where_is 在哪里 (Zài nǎlǐ)

how_much 多少钱 (Duōshǎo qián)

beautiful 漂亮 (Piàoliang)

ticket 票 (Piào)

Guide Languages: Chinese (Mandarin), English, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Bell Tower

Best Time: Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon)

Tips: Low angle shots to capture the tower's grandeur

Result: Breathtaking views of the tower and surrounding square

#BellAndDrumTower #Xi'an #HistoricalChina

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, square, nearby streets

prohibited areas inside the towers (no photography allowed in certain areas), private property

flash photography allowed in outdoor areas, not allowed inside the towers

commercial photography requires special permit

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy allowed in outdoor areas with permission, not allowed inside the towers

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Muslim Quarter

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Cultural and food market

Ancient City Wall of Xi'an

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Historical landmark

Great Mosque of Xi'an

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Religious site

Reviews

4.6

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds"
"Book tickets online in advance"
"Don't miss the night shows"

Contact Information

+86 29 8727 0190

info@xiantour.com

www.xiantour.com

Social Media

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