Drum and Bell Tower, Xi'an

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In many aspects, the bigger Chinese cities are getting an "American look", given by architecture, space, lights, and organization.

One thing, fortunately they are not copying: the concept of town. Xi'an has what almost all American cities miss: a centre. And nowhere I saw such a well defined centre: a square wall 15 km long defines the centre of town, and inside it two big avenues split the rectangle from north to south and east to west. Where they cross, a beautiful tower occupies the square. Perfect and wonderful geometry.

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These 2 towers date to the Ming Dynasty. They were sounded at dawn and dusk. You can visit one or the other or both. In addition, performances are held in each at specified times. Please check in advance if you would like to see these. Both structures are easily reached by either foot or public transportation and are located withn the city walls.

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The Bell tower in the center of Xian, is one of the many historic monuments in Xian

There is a cost to enter, (not that great) and it is certainly worth a visit.

There is a collection of Quin Chime Bells housed here which are played during the day at intervals.

The tower itself is very interesting and you can get some great views from the top.

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If you choose not to visit these attractions during the day - which we didn't have time to do - you must go for a walk and view these amazing buildings at night.

Bell Tower – cost to enter - CNY 40 for Bell Tower and Drum Tower – free if from outside?? Visit this day and night – beautifully lit up.

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Bell Tower
This 36m high tower marks the centre of the ancient city. It was built in 1384 by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang as a watch tower and was located next to the Drum Tower. It was moved to its present site in 1582 and restored in 1739. A bell, located in the north west corner at the base of the tower was struck to indicate the passing hours. Streets linking the tower to the main gates of the wall are named after them - North, East, South and West Streets. Originally vehicles could pass under the tower but traffic is now so heavy it is directed around it. Visitors can access the tower by the modern underpass built under it.

Drum Tower
The Drum Tower was initially built in 1380 during the reign of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty. It is a smaller building (34m high) and marks the boundary of the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an.

Unfortunately lack of time meant that I could only admire these buildings from the outside

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Inside the Drum Tower there is a drum museum, where a variety of drums from different countries are on display, some of which can be dated back thousands of years. There is a drum show performed here every day.

Open: 8am-10pm. Admission: RMB40 (which also includes the Bell Tower).

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The Drum Tower is located northwest of the Bell Tower, across the Bell Tower Square. Both of them are called the 'sister buildings' or 'morning bell and dark drum'. In ancient China, especially from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the drums were used to signal the running of time and on occasion were used as an alarm in emergency situations.

The Drum Tower was initially built in 1380 during the reign of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and was renovated twice in 1699 and 1740. It is a two-storied post and panel structure, 34 meters (about 112 feet) high and 52.6 meters (about 172 feet) long from east to west as well as 38 meters (about 124 feet) wide from north to south. The drum tower is surrounded by 24 drums along the north and south walls which represent the 24 solar terms of the weather calendar. Inside the Drum Tower there is also a drum museum, where a variety of drums are on display, some of which can be dated back thousands of years. There is a drum show performed here every day.

Open: 8am-10pm. Admission: RMB40 (which also includes the Bell Tower).

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You get some good views of the city centre from the bell tower. You can see the work being carried out on the new metro system to the north, which was being undertaken when I visited in July 2008. You can also see the South Gate from here.