Xian Bell Tower
Bell Tower has become the symbol of the ancient Xian City since it was built in 1384. From this important landmark extend East, South, West and North Streets, connecting the Tower to the East, South, West and North Gates of Xian City Wall of the Ming Dynasty.
It stands as the largest, oldest, and best-preserved surviving bell tower in China, reaching a total height of 36 meters and covering an area of 1,377 square meters. Originally built at the intersection of present-day Guangji Street, facing Xi'an's Drum Tower, it was relocated to its current site in 1582.
Xian Bell Tower Facts
The History of Bell Tower in Xian
The Xi'an Bell Tower was first constructed in the 17th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1384). In ancient times, a large bell hung atop the tower, used for signaling alarms and marking the hours, hence its name “Bell Tower.”
Originally built at the Yingxiang Temple near the intersection of Guangji Street north of West Street, the tower stood directly opposite the city's north and south gates, marking the urban center. This location lay precisely on the central axis of Tang-era Chang'an and remained the heart of Chang'an during the Five Dynasties, Song, and Yuan periods.
Over the subsequent two centuries, Xi'an underwent continuous expansion. The city grew by nearly a quarter in both eastern and northern directions from its original boundaries. As the urban center shifted eastward and city gates were relocated, four new main streets—East, South, West, and North—emerged. Consequently, the Bell Tower at Yingxiang Temple gradually became peripheral to the city's core. In the tenth year of Emperor Shenzong's reign during the Ming Dynasty (1582), the entire Bell Tower was relocated to its present site, becoming a pivotal structure anchoring the east-west axis and connecting the north-south directions. Embedded on the west wall of the second floor stands a stele inscribed with the “Ode to the Eastward Relocation of the Bell Tower,” chronicling the process of moving this monumental structure.
The Change of Bell Tower’s Role in Ancient and Modern Times
According to one legend, the Bell Tower was originally built to restrain the dragon that caused an earthquake in the Ming dynasty. Actually it was built in 1384 by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang as a way to dominate the surrounding countryside and provide early warning of attack by rival rulers.
And the other role of Xian Bell Tower is timing. In early morning of ancient times, the Bell Tower had the mission of ringing the bell day after day and giving the correct time to the whole city.
Layout & Architecture
The tower is a brick and timber structure which is 36 meters high and 35.5 meters wide with its base occupying an area of 1,377 square meters. There are three layers of eaves on the external exquisite carved beams and internal is up and down layers. The engraved arcs under each eaves are dramatic masterpieces in ancient timber constructions. Appeared in the Chinese architecture of Shang Dynasty, the arc is unique in the history of world construction. It not only makes the tower more beautiful, but also makes the construction firm and reduces the impact of rain on the building.
What to See
Jingyun Bell (景云钟)
The large bell hanging at the northwest corner of the Xi'an Bell Tower no longer has the function of telling the time. However, during important festivals (e.g. Chinese New Year), it is still rung to pray for peace and good fortune.
The original giant clock in the Bell Tower not this current one, but another one called “Jingyun Bell” which was cast in Tang Dynasty. In early Ming Dynasty, the “Jingyun Bell” was moved to the Bell Tower, but strangely it couldn’t ring any more... As for the reason, some people believe that it is ancient and spiritual and do not want to be moved, which adds a mystical air to it. In 1953, JingYun Bell moved to Xi'an Beilin Museum and is now on display in Dongting. In 1997, an imitative iron bell imitating the Jingyun Bell was hung in the Bell Tower, with the proportion of 1 to 1. The bell that had been silent for hundreds of years begins to ring again in this ancient city.
Inscription (碑刻)
On the first floor of the Bell Tower, the west wall is inlaid with 3 inscriptions, and each of them tells us different stories. They are of great historical value. The first one is the inscription records about the Xian Municipal People’s Government renovating the Bell Tower in 1953; the second one is the Records of Renovation of Xian Bell Tower (重修西安钟楼记) monument written by the Shaanxi governor Zhang Kai during the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period; the third one is the Songs of Xian Bell Tower Moving Eastwards (钟楼东迁歌) written by the Shaanxi Provincial Supervision Officer Gong Maoxian.
Door & Window Relief (门窗浮雕)
Every door and window of the Bell Tower is decorated with relieves. They all have exquisite and complicated features, which show us the popular decorative art in Ming & Qing Dynasty. And each relief contains an ancient allusion.
Couplet (楹联)
On the second floor of the Xian Bell Tower, there’s a couplet on each four doorpost. They’re all very beautiful and outstanding literary works.
Performances at Xian Bell Tower
Show time of Bianzhong (编钟表演): There are ten performances everyday on 09:00, 10:30, 11:30, 14:30, 16:00, 17:00.
Show time of Morning Bell (“晨钟”表演): There is a performance simulating the forms in ancient time that the imitative Jingyun Bell will be struck 24 times at 08:30 by thirteen archaized warriors. And the performance lasts 15 minutes.
Besides, many art exhibitions are often held here all year around.
>> Recommended Xian tours with Bell Tower:
Best Time to Visit Bell Tower of Xian
Based on Xian weather and climat, Bell Tower are suitable to visit all year round.
Just after it opened in the morning between 8:00 - 9:00, before the big tourist groups arrive, it is an excellent opportunity to visit the interior of the Bell Tower and learn about its history. From evening to night (18:30 - 22:00), as night falls and the lights are on, it is the best time to capture the night view of the Bell tower, when it is magnificent and splendid. Moreover, it is a moment to experience the fantastic blending of modern night life and ancient history in Xi'an.
How to Get Here
By Bus
Almost every city bus of Xian can get you here. You can take Bus 7, 8, 601, 611 or 618, etc., and get off at the Bell Tower Station.
By Metro
Take No. 2 Metro line, and get off at the Bell Tower Station.
Travel Tips of Xi'an Bell Tower
1. The Bell Tower is close to other popular attractions, so we highly recommend you also visit Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque of Xian, Xian Old City Wall, etc. after the Bell Tower sightseeing.
2. Want to capture the panoramic view of the Bell Tower? A little insider tip for you: head to the observation deck on the 5th floor of Kaiyuan Shopping Mall nearby, where you can take incredible pictures of the tower.
