Location & How to Get There

Xi’An Tower, also known as the Drum Tower, sits at No. 74 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. It’s just 200 meters away from the famous Bell Tower, and both landmarks form a historic duo that’s impossible to miss. To reach here, take Xi’an Metro Line 2 and hop off at Bell Tower Station—the towers are within a short walk from each other. If you’re coming from the city center, a quick ride on a bike or a 10-minute taxi ride will do the trick.

Architecture & History

Xi’An Tower isn’t just any old building—it’s a Ming Dynasty masterpiece that’s still standing tall after centuries. What makes it unique? For starters, it’s one of China’s largest and best-preserved drum towers. Unlike many ancient structures, it’s entirely nail-free, built using clever wooden joinery. The design mixes Tang Dynasty vibes with Song Dynasty techniques, making it a blend of elegance and grandeur.

Climb up to the top, and you’ll see why it’s a star attraction. The roof is covered in deep green glazed tiles that shimmer in sunlight, while the interior glows with gold-painted carvings and colorful murals. A gilded finial crowns the roof, adding a royal touch. Even though the original giant drum inside is gone (it was used for time-telling centuries ago), the tower itself still feels like a living piece of history.

Cultural & Visual Highlights

Walk around Xi’An Tower, and you’ll notice how it shouts tradition. The wooden beams are carved with intricate patterns, and every corner is painted with scenes from Chinese legends. At night, the tower lights up in a way that makes the gold details pop—it’s like stepping into an ancient palace.

Though the drum is long gone, the name “Drum Tower” lives on. Imagine the sound of that massive drum echoing across Xi’an in the old days, signaling the time to locals! Today, the tower stands as a silent witness to Xi’an’s bustling modern life below.

Neighborhood & Extras

The area around Xi’An Tower is packed with tourist-friendly fun. Just steps away, you’ll find the backstreets of Beiyuanmen, filled with food stalls, souvenir shops, and local snacks like biangbiang noodles or mutton soup. It’s a great spot to pick up a handcrafted drum-shaped ornament or try on a traditional Chinese outfit for photos.

If you’re visiting with kids, there’s a small cultural exhibition inside the tower explaining its history. And don’t miss the view from the top—on clear days, you can see all the way to the distant mountains.

Practical Tips for Visitors

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon avoids crowds and offers softer light for photos.
  • Tickets: Entry is cheap (around 30 RMB), and you can buy tickets onsite or online.
  • Photo Ops: Stand between Xi’An Tower and the Bell Tower for a classic shot, or snap the tower with the city skyline behind it at sunset.
  • Combine with Nearby Spots: After exploring, walk to the Ancient City Wall or the Muslim Quarter for more Xi’an charm.

Xi’An Tower isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a window into China’s architectural genius and history. Whether you’re into ancient vibes, photography, or simply soaking up culture, this iconic landmark has something for everyone.