Classic Tour of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia | Xi'an Bell and Drum Towers

The Xi'an Bell and Drum Towers, collectively referring to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower of Xi'an, are located in the city center of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Built during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, they boast over 600 years of history and are the largest and best-preserved bell and drum towers of their kind in China. The Bell and Drum Towers, as a combined term, refer to ancient Chinese timekeeping structures. Their rational architectural design, vibrant colors, and elegant decorative elements embody rich and distinctive ethnic cultural characteristics, making them iconic landmarks of Xi'an. *Main Highlights: ①Architectural Art: a. Bell Tower. The Bell Tower is a pavilion-style structure with double eaves, triple-drip corners, and a pyramidal roof. It is constructed of brick and wood, consisting of three parts from bottom to top: the base, the tower body, and the finial. The square base, built with blue bricks, is sturdy and stable. The wooden tower body features three layers of eaves and a pyramidal roof, standing 36 meters tall. Each eave corner is elegantly upturned, adorned with intricate brackets, exquisite wood carvings, and colorful paintings, showcasing the quintessential architectural style of the Ming Dynasty. The roof is covered with dark green glazed tiles that shimmer softly in the sunlight, while the pyramidal roof adds a solemn yet dynamic touch to the structure. b. Drum Tower. The Drum Tower housed large drums in ancient cities, used for alarm signals or timekeeping. It is a beam-framed wooden pavilion with seven bays in width and three bays in depth. The outer eaves and flat seats are decorated with blue-green painted brackets, while the double-eaved hip-and-gable roof is covered with gray tiles and edged with green glazed tiles, exuding a rustic and elegant charm. The Drum Tower's base is taller and more imposing than the Bell Tower's, giving the entire structure a majestic presence. *Cultural Exhibitions: a. Bell Tower. It houses an exhibition of Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, featuring beautiful designs and exquisite craftsmanship, representing precious heritage of ancient Chinese furniture art. b. Drum Tower. It hosts long-term exhibitions such as "Treasures from the Collection" and "Chinese Drum Culture Exhibition." The drum culture display showcases various types of drums, like seasonal drums and night-watch drums, offering insights into the significant role of drums in Chinese history and culture. *Performances: a. Bell Tower. There are six daily daytime performances of ancient-style shows (check the official website for specific times). Performances include ancient musical instrument performances and dances, transporting visitors back in time to experience the cultural ambiance of ancient China. b. Drum Tower. Daily performances of ancient bell and drum music are held at scheduled times (9:30, 10:15, 11:00, 14:30, 15:15, 16:00), featuring pieces like "Drum Music Welcoming Guests" and "Chang'an Shehuo." Set against the backdrop of the Drum Tower, these performances highlight the charm of ancient music through the playing of bells, drums, and other instruments. *Viewing from the Towers: a. Bell Tower. The second-floor exhibition hall features the "Morning Bell and Evening Drum" display, showcasing ancient timekeeping instruments and systems. The top floor offers panoramic views of the bustling East, West, South, and North Streets, as well as Xi'an's most vibrant commercial areas around the Bell Tower, with the Drum Tower visible in the distance. b. Drum Tower. The first-floor perimeter is lined with drums arranged according to the solar terms, perfect for photos and admiring the distant Bell Tower. A walk around the second-floor outer corridor provides even broader views, ideal for photography. From the Drum Tower, visitors can also observe the lively Muslim Quarter, experiencing the blend of ancient and modern life. *Nighttime Photography: The Bell and Drum Towers are brilliantly illuminated at night, complementing the surrounding ancient-style architecture and creating a perfect setting for "cyberpunk"-style photography. The light show typically runs from 19:00 to 23:00, beautifully outlining the towers' silhouettes. During holidays, special lighting effects may transport visitors to the vibrant nightlife of ancient Chang'an.