Facing each other, both Xian Drum Tower and Xian Bell Tower are the iconic buildings of the ancient Xian city .The Drum Tower was first built in the 13th year of the Emperor Hongwu era (1380) in the Ming Dynasty （1368-1644).
Climbing up to the Drum Tower, you can see a large drum that is 1.8 meters high, as well as 24 red drums engraved with 24 solar terms.
Xi'an Drum Tower is one of the largest drum towers in the country, with a tall rectangular pedestal at the bottom. The pedestal is equipped with north-south facing door openings that are both 6 meters high and wide. The building on the pedestal is divided into two levels, upper and lower, with green glazed tiles covering the top.
To the south of the Drum Tower, there is a plaque reading "A Land of Prosperity in Culture and Martial Arts"; The plaque at Shanhaiguan is known as the "Two Plaques of China". Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the turbulent era, and what we see now is a later replica.
When visiting the Drum Tower, you can also enjoy the performance of the ancient "Morning Bell and Evening Drum", as well as traditional folk music and dance performances. There are 6 performances per day, and specific performances can be found on the official website.
Between the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower， it is the Bell Drum Tower Square, adorned with green grass and red flowers. Xi'an Bell and Drum Tower Square, located at the intersection of four main streets in the east, west, north, and south. Covers an area of 60000 square meters, it is the second bigggest square in China, only to Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The east side of the square is the Bell Tower, and the west side is the Drum Tower. In the late 1990s, after the completion of the Bell and Drum Tower Square, the Bell and Drum Towers were able to gaze at each other.
According to research, this place was once the location of the Shangshu Province during the prosperous Tang Dynasty, and was a high-level administrative agency that executed national affairs at that time.Nowadays, the Bell and Drum Tower Square is lush with green grass. To the north of the square is an ancient commercial street, and below the square is the Century Golden Flower Shopping Center.
There is a uniquely shaped music fountain, and the night view here is beautiful, suitable for photography. Behind the Drum Tower is the Hui Muslim Street, which boasts a plethora of delicious food.
Travel Tips
Address: No. 74 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xi'an City
Phone: 029-87278797
Opening hours: 08:30 -18:00
Tickets： CNY30