Drum Tower of Xi'an

The Drum Tower of Xi'an, built in 1380 during the early Ming Dynasty, stands in the city center alongside the Bell Tower as a symbol of Xi'an. It is located in a predominantly Muslim district known as the Drum Tower Muslim District. The tower gets its name from the huge drum inside, and for centuries it worked with the Bell Tower to announce time,bells for morning, drums for evening.

Don't miss

• The huge drum inside the tower that gave it its name
• 24 'small' drums on the outer terrace of the first floor, inscribed with the 24 Solar Terms of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar
• The Wentian Drum (north side), made in 1996 and claimed as the largest cowhide drum in the world at that time
• A daily bell and drum symphony where the drums are played
• Incredible views of Xi'an from the tower

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Drum Tower of Xi'an

Cheapest way inTerracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall Full Day Tour4.8★ · 56 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$20 per personSee dates →Best full dayMini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar4.9★ · 1,545 travelers9-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleXi’an Private Day Tour:Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda&Pottery5★ · 31 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The Drum Tower is in the heart of Xi'an, in the Drum Tower Muslim District.
• The tower features 24 small drums inscribed with the 24 Solar Terms, plus the large Wentian Drum.

A bit of history

Erected in 1380 during the early Ming Dynasty (Hongwu era), the Drum Tower has historically worked with the Bell Tower to mark time, with bells signaling morning and drums signaling evening.