1. Overview of the Xi’an Bell Tower
Location: Downtown Xi’an
Height: 36 meters (118 feet)
Year built: 1384
Number of floors: 2
Number of eaves: 3
2. Landmarks in Downtown Xi’an
The Bell Tower is a majestic traditional structure that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital of Xi’an. Four major avenues radiate out from this important landmark—east, south, west, and north—connecting the Bell Tower to the East, South, West, and North Gates of the ancient city walls.
3. The Largest and Best-Preserved Structure of Its Kind in China
In 1384, Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) ordered the construction of a bell tower to mark the hours, monitor the surrounding countryside, and serve as an early warning against enemy invasions. Today, this square, wooden bell tower is the largest and best-preserved structure of its kind in China.
It stands atop a square brick base measuring 35.5 meters on each side and 8.6 meters in height, with a 6-meter-high archway on each side of the base. In the past, vehicles could pass through these archways, but as the city developed and traffic volume increased, a spacious and well-lit pedestrian underpass was constructed beneath the bell tower. The entrance to the bell tower is located within this underground passage. Although the main structure of the bell tower has only two stories, it features three tiers of eaves. These three tiers of eaves not only enhance the tower’s aesthetic appeal but also effectively reduce water erosion. Inside the building, a spiral staircase ascends upward. Overall, the gray bricks of the square base, the deep green glazed tiles on the eaves, and the gilded and gold-painted roof make this tower a colorful and majestic masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture.
4. The Sound of Bells, the Passing of Time
About 200 meters (220 yards) northwest of the Bell Tower stands its “sister structure,” the Drum Tower. In the past, the bells and drums inside the Bell Tower and Drum Tower were struck daily, marking the passage of time.
5. How did the bell tower mark the time in the past?
In ancient times, the bell would ring at 5:00 a.m. every morning, signaling the start of the day and the opening of the city gates. During the day, the bell would also ring at key times, such as 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., to mark the hours. Around 7 p.m., the drum would sound 108 times, signaling the closing of the city gates and the end of the day. At night, the hours were marked by drumbeats rather than the bell: two beats at 2 a.m., three beats at 11 p.m., four beats at 1 a.m., and five beats at 3 a.m.
6. The Famous Jingyun Bell
When it comes to the bells of Xi’an Bell Tower, the Jingyun Bell, cast in 711 AD, is certainly not to be overlooked. This bell is inscribed with text written in the hand of Li Dan, the fifth emperor of the Tang Dynasty, making it the only bell in China bearing an emperor’s calligraphy. Weighing approximately 6 tons, the Jingyun Bell produces a loud and resonant sound that could be heard throughout the entire city of Chang’an (present-day Xi’an).
The Jingyun Bell was originally placed in the northwest corner of the Bell Tower, but during the Ming Dynasty, it suddenly fell silent, even though no major events had occurred at the time. Later, it was moved to the Beilin Museum in Xi’an, and surprisingly, its sound was restored. The sound of the Jingyun Bell has been recorded and is now widely used throughout China. For example, at midnight on New Year’s Eve during the Spring Festival Gala, the Jingyun Bell is struck to welcome the arrival of the New Year. Today, you can still see an exact replica of the Jingyun Bell atop the Xi’an Bell Tower.
7. What else is inside the Bell Tower?
The interior of the Bell Tower is equally impressive. The first-floor exhibition hall displays inscriptions chronicling the tower’s history, as well as ancient architectural elements such as glazed roof tiles and ridge-end figurines. Looking up, you’ll be awestruck by the vibrant circular painted patterns on the ceiling. On the second floor, calligraphy and paintings are neatly arranged alongside exquisite porcelain, while the deep green beams and columns are adorned with unique patterns. Strolling along the side corridors on both floors, you can not only admire the vivid narrative carvings on the 64 vermilion doors but also take photos with the Drum Tower in the northwest.
8. The Bell Tower’s Beautiful Night View
On weekdays from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and on weekends and holidays from 7:00 PM to around midnight, the Bell Tower is bathed in brilliant lights, making it even more beautiful and enchanting. Taking photos in Hanfu against the backdrop of the dazzlingly lit Bell Tower and the bustling traffic around it has become a popular trend.
9. Best Viewing Spots for the Bell Tower
In addition to the areas along the roads surrounding the Bell Tower, the observation deck inside the Kaiyuan Shopping Center to the southeast is also a great spot for photographing the Bell Tower. If you’re taking the subway to the Bell Tower, you can enter the shopping center via Exits 4 or 5 of the underground passage. On the second floor, you can use the area behind the red railing to take horizontal shots. On the fifth and sixth floors, you can capture panoramic views of the Bell Tower and stunning sunsets from a drone’s-eye view—the results are truly impressive. On the seventh and eighth floors, the higher observation decks allow you to photograph both the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower at the same time.
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