Bell Tower of Xi'an

The Bell Tower of Xi'an, built in 1384 during the early Ming dynasty, is a symbol of the city and one of the grandest bell towers in China. It stands in the center of Xi'an at the intersection of the four main streets. The tower is a brick and timber structure close to 40 meters high, with a square base covering 1,377 square meters. Visitors can climb the tower and see a replica of the Tang dynasty Jingyun bell.

Don't miss

• The square masonry pedestal, 8.6 meters high, with blue brick surface and a two-story wooden structure above.
• The triple-eaved, four-sided spire roof with a golden top made of real gold platinum wrapped around a wood core, and dark green glazed tiles.
• The replica Jingyun bell, cast in 1997, weighing 6.5 tons and 2.45 meters tall, hung on the northwest corner of the base.
• Eight reliefs on each door leaf, showing Ming and Qing decorative arts.
• Three inscriptions on the west wall of the first floor hall, including Gong Yuxian's 'Ode to the Bell Tower Relocating East'.
• The cross-shaped passage through the pedestal, now closed, which once allowed traffic to pass through.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Bell 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 →

Know before you go

• The Bell Tower is a national-level cultural relics protection unit and is open for tourism and sightseeing.
• The tower is located at the intersection of the four streets of east, west, south, and north in central Xi'an. There is a circular underground passage for pedestrians around the tower.

A bit of history

The current Bell Tower was built in 1384 at Yingxiang Temple, about one kilometer from its present location. In 1582, it was moved to the current site under the direction of investigating censor Gong Yuxian. The pedestal was rebuilt, but the tower's intrinsic structure used original material. The tower underwent major repairs in 1699, 1740, and 1840. In 1740, the Tang dynasty Jingyun bell was moved outdoors to improve its sound. The tower was badly damaged in a Japanese air raid in 1939 and later repaired. It opened to the public in 1984.