Each Ming city had a bell tower and a drum tower. The bell was sounded at dawn and the drum at dusk. The two buildings still exist in many Chinese cities, but those at Xi'an are the best known in China.

The Bell Tower was originally built in 1384 at the intersection of Xi Dajie and Guangji Jie. This was the centre of the site of the old Tang Imperial City, where the government offices had been located. The tower was removed in 1582 and rebuilt in its present position in the centre of the southern section of the walled city, overlooking the four avenues which lead to the four gates. It was restored in 1739.

The Bell Tower is set on a square brick platform, each side of which is 35.5 metres (116 feet) long, with an arched gateway at ground level. The platform is 8.6 metres (28 feet) high and on top is a tripleeaved, two-storey wooden structure, a further 27.4 metres (90 feet) high. There is a fine view in all directions from the parapet on the second floor. The inside is remarkable as an example of the very intricate roof truss system used in Ming and Qing wooden architecture.

The original great bell no longer exists, but a small replica Ming-period bell is kept in a corner of the brick platform for visitors to strike.

There is an exhibition of ancient instruments on the first floor, and traditional musical performances every hour from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. On the second floor there are exhibitions of Chinese calligraphy, art and porcelain. The Bell Tower is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm November-March, and 8:00 am to 10:00 pm from April-November. The entrance is via the underpass that can be entered at any of the intersections around the traffic circle surrounding the Bell Tower.

Tourist Advice

The Bell Tower is worth a visit. Located in the same pedestrian area as the Drum tower, both are easily visited. Combine this with a visit to Muslim Street. All can be done in a morning or afternoon. The Bells are played at regular times as part of a fifteen minute show with musicians in costume playing bells and traditional Chinese instruments. Worth a look if they are playing while you are there. While the Drum and Bell towers are closed in the evening they are illuminated by lights. The pedestrian square surrounding them is a nice area to walk and people watch. In the warm weather the locals are out doing the same.