The Bell Tower of Xi’an (西安钟楼) is a stunning historic structure located in the heart of Xi’an, China. It was built during the Ming Dynasty in 1384 and has since become a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture. The tower is a magnificent wooden structure, standing at a height of 36 meters and featuring a large bell weighing over 7,000 kilograms.
The Bell Tower is renowned for its exquisite architectural style, which combines traditional Chinese and Muslim influences. It has been beautifully preserved over the centuries and has served as a significant landmark for the city, functioning as a time-telling device and a vital communication hub.
The tower has undergone numerous renovations over the years, the most recent being in 2010, when it was fully restored to its former glory. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surrounding areas.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- HIghlights of Xi’an Bell Tower
- Vlog about Xi’an Bell Tower
- Myths about the Relocation of the Bell Tower
- Popular Snacks near Bell Tower
- Recommended Photography Spots
- History of Xi’an Bell Tower
- Useful Tips Summarzied from Rivews
- Interesting Facts About Xi’an Bell Tower
- Attractions Near Xi’an Bell Tower
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.zglxa.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Adult: 30 yuan Student: 15 yuan Children under 1.2 meters: free combination ticket for Bell Tower and Drum Tower: 50 yuan |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 21.30; Last entry: 21.00 (1st April – 10th October) 8.30 – 18.00; Last entry: 17.30 (11th October – 31st March the next year) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-029-87278797 |
Location and Transportation
The Bell Tower is located at the very center of the ancient city of Xi’an, in the Shaanxi Province of China. Specifically, it stands at the intersection of the four main streets of the city: East, West, South, and North, and is surrounded by a bustling commercial area.
Bus:
Take bus No. 235, 600, or 606, get off at Zhongloubei Stop (North of the Bell Tower), and walk 50 meters to the south.
Take bus No. 15, 32, 43, 45, 201, 215, 218, 221, 222, 251, 252, 286, 300, 604, 611, 612, 618, or 622, get off at Zhoulouxi Stop (West of the Bell Tower), and walk 100 meters to the east.
Take bus No. 6, 11, 16, 26, 29, 35, 46, 203, 208, 603, 605, 608, 609, 616, get off at Zhoulounan Stop (South of the Bell Tower), and walk about 150 meters to the north.
Subway:
Take subway line 2 or 6, get off at Zhonglou Station (Bell Tower Station), and you will see the entrance.
HIghlights of Xi’an Bell Tower
The Jingyun Bell
The Jingyun Bell, cast in the year 711, is a remarkable historical artifact located in the Bell Tower of Xi’an, China. Personally inscribed by Emperor Ruizong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Dan, the bell stands at 2 meters in height, with a diameter of 1.5 meters and a weight of thousands of kilograms. Its resonant chime can be heard from several tens of kilometers away.
The Jingyun Bell’s distinctive chime has been recorded by the Central People’s Broadcasting Station, and it has become a cherished tradition to play its ringing as the “New Year Bell” during the annual Chinese New Year’s Eve Gala broadcast on China Central Television. This tradition has been upheld for many years. In the year 2000, the Jingyun Bell was even featured on Chinese postage stamps, earning it the esteemed title of the “Number One Bell Under Heaven.” It remains a symbol of cultural significance and historical pride in China.
Reliefs on the Doors and Windows
The doors and windows of the Bell Tower in Xi’an are adorned with exquisite and intricate reliefs, showcasing the decorative artistry that flourished during the Ming Dynasty. Each level of the Bell Tower features eight panels of reliefs, and each of these reliefs tells a captivating ancient story or mythological legend.
These relief carvings are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the era, as they not only serve as decorative elements but also convey narratives from China’s past. They provide a visual feast for visitors, offering glimpses into the historical and mythological tales that were highly regarded during the Ming Dynasty.
Performance
Performance in the Bell Tower of Xi’an is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. It typically involves traditional music and dance performances that showcase the culture and history of the city and its people. Performances may include the playing of traditional Chinese musical instruments such as the guzheng, erhu, and pipa, as well as folk dances such as the Tang Dynasty Dance and Drum Dance.
There are six performances a day at 9.10, 10.30, 11.30, 14.30, 15.30, and 16.30 respectively, and each lasts 10 – 15 minutes.
Vlog about Xi’an Bell Tower
Myths about the Relocation of the Bell Tower
The Bell Tower of Xi’an was originally located at the intersection of Guangji Street before it was moved to its current location in the city center. A popular local myth explains why the Bell Tower was relocated eastward.
During the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period, a devastating earthquake struck the Guanzhong region, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The governor, troubled by the calamity, sought the advice of Gao Chengzhi, a renowned Taoist priest from the Chengxiang Temple.
Gao Chengzhi, a revered figure in Chang’an, informed the governor that relocating the Bell Tower half a mile east would help quell the earthquakes. According to ancient belief, during a time when “heaven tilted northwest and the earth sank southeast,” the seas flowed eastward, creating the Guanzhong Plain. However, a giant sea turtle, unwilling to leave, carved a great chasm with its mouth to hide within. Over time, this chasm became an underground river. Each March 15, the turtle would surface at the river mouth, breathe the air, and cause tremors by splashing and creating waves, leading to earthquakes.
In response, the governor ordered blacksmiths to forge a massive iron chain and prepared to subdue the turtle. Soldiers dug into the ground, revealing four large stones. Upon lifting the stones, they discovered a deep well with rushing water. Soon, a column of water burst forth, and the head of the giant turtle emerged. Gao Chengzhi used his sword to subdue the turtle and commanded the soldiers to bind it with the iron chain, then sink it to the bottom of the chasm. The governor had a large iron ring forged to secure the river mouth and pressed the other end of the chain into the ground. With 5,000 craftsmen working tirelessly, the Bell Tower was constructed in its new location. Since then, the Bell Tower stood majestically, and the turtle was trapped at the river’s bottom, no longer able to cause disturbances.
Popular Snacks near Bell Tower
Liu Xin’s Stir-Fried Paomo (刘信小炒泡馍): This dish features warm and fragrant stir-fried paomo, a type of bread soaked in soup. The paomo is stir-fried with an assortment of toppings, including minced meat and vermicelli, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ma Wenzhang’s Fatty Zeng Cake (马文章胖子甑糕): Renowned for its richness and flavor, this cake is highly sought after. Be prepared to queue in the morning as it sells out quickly – especially after 9 AM. It’s packed with plenty of dates.
Cha Hua Nong (茶话弄): A popular local tea house known for its strong tea flavors. Various types are available, and the Mei Zhan Yao Hong (Plum-flavored tea) is highly recommended. It’s considered a must-try when visiting Xi’an.
Hui Fang Liu Ming Persimmon Cake (回坊流明柿子糊塌): This well-loved snack features sweet, deep-fried persimmon cakes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Lao Li’s Biangbiang Noodles (老李家biangbiang面): A local favorite, Lao Li’s restaurant offers biangbiang noodles, which are known for their rich toppings compared to other noodle dishes like youpo noodles.
Crispy Beef Cake (香酥牛肉饼): This beef cake is renowned for its crispy texture and exceptional flavor. It’s so crispy that it tends to crumble easily, adding to its appeal.
Dingjia’s Crispy Meat (定家小酥肉): An old favorite, Dingjia’s crispy meat is well-regarded for its consistent taste. It’s recommended to share a bowl between two people, as it can become overwhelming if eaten alone.
Hongshunxiang’s Marinated Cold Noodles (宏顺祥卤汁凉粉): Known as a “dark cuisine,” these cold noodles are coated in sesame sauce and spicy oil. They are slurped directly from the bowl, offering a unique and flavorful experience.
Ma Jiguan’s Rose Rice Cake (马继光玫瑰糍糕): A top choice for sweet treats, this shop specializes in sticky rose-flavored rice cakes. If you love chewy, sweet desserts, this is the place to visit.
Recommended Photography Spots
Ka Yuan Mall, 2nd Floor Fence: This spot provides a straightforward, eye-level view of the Bell Tower. The fence here allows for unobstructed shots of the tower’s facade.
Starbucks Bell Tower Store Front: Positioned right in front of the Bell Tower, this location offers the closest and most direct shots. It’s ideal for capturing detailed images of the tower.
Long Corridor Next to Starbucks: This corridor provides a frame-like composition for the Bell Tower. The red columns here add a traditional Chinese touch to your photographs.
Ka Yuan Mall, 5th Floor East Viewing Platform: This platform offers an elevated view of the Bell Tower. It’s one of two viewing platforms on the 5th floor, with the east side providing a clear perspective.
De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant Front Platform: Located in front of the restaurant, this spacious platform offers another great vantage point for photographing the Bell Tower.
Ka Yuan Mall, 5th Floor West Viewing Platform: Although slightly smaller than the east platform, this area also provides excellent views of the Bell Tower and can get quite crowded.
Yongning Gate City Wall: For a classic shot, use a telephoto lens from the city wall to capture the Bell Tower. This spot gives a unique perspective with the historical wall in the foreground.
Ka Yuan Mall, 6th Floor Viewing Platform: This platform is popular among visitors and comes equipped with various props, making it a fun spot for taking themed photos.
Rooftop of an Unfinished Building Next to the Bell Tower: From the rooftop of this nearby unfinished building, you can capture the Bell Tower along Xi’an’s central axis, offering a broader cityscape view.
History of Xi’an Bell Tower
The Xi’an Bell Tower, originally constructed in the 17th year of the Hongwu reign (1384 AD) of the Ming Dynasty, stands as a remarkable historical landmark with a rich and complex history. Initially located at the intersection of Guangji Street and Xida Street, the Bell Tower faced the Drum Tower and played a crucial role in the city’s urban landscape. The tower was named for the large bell that once hung inside, used for alarm and timekeeping.
In the early Ming Dynasty, after the capital was moved to Nanjing, there was a brief consideration of relocating the capital to Xi’an. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, intrigued by the proposal, sent his son, Crown Prince Zhu Biao, to survey Xi’an and its surroundings. Zhu Biao’s findings and the detailed map of Shaanxi presented to his father highlighted Xi’an’s strategic advantages. He described Xi’an as having superior geographical defenses compared to other regions, which reinforced the idea of relocating the capital. However, Zhu Biao’s untimely death and Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang’s advanced age led to the abandonment of the relocation plan. Despite this, the Bell Tower was built to the standards of imperial architecture.
Two hundred years after its construction, the Bell Tower underwent a significant relocation. The move was part of the city’s eastward expansion, reflecting the growth and shifting center of Xi’an. An inscription on the west wall of the Bell Tower’s second floor, known as the “Song of the Eastward Relocation of the Bell Tower,” details the relocation process of this monumental structure. Originally, the Bell Tower was situated at the intersection of Guangji Street and Xida Street, directly opposite the city gates, making it central to the city’s layout during the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties, Song, and Yuan periods.
Over the following centuries, Xi’an expanded considerably. The city’s area grew by nearly a quarter as it expanded eastward and northward. With the city’s center shifting east, the original location of the Bell Tower became increasingly peripheral. In the tenth year of the Wanli reign (1582 AD), under the direction of Governor Gong Maoxian, the Bell Tower was relocated to its current position. This relocation aligned the tower with the new city layout and reinforced its role as a central axis of the city.
During the Qing Dynasty, the Bell Tower underwent several major renovations. The Kangxi Emperor’s 38th year (1699 AD), the Qianlong Emperor’s 5th year (1740 AD), and the Daoguang Emperor’s 20th year (1840 AD) saw extensive repairs and maintenance to preserve the structure.
In the early 20th century, during the Xinhai Revolution, the Bell Tower was a site of fierce fighting between the revolutionary forces and the Qing military. Later, during the Protection of the Country Movement, General Chen Shufan used the Bell Tower as the starting point for his opposition against Yuan Shikai. In 1927, Shi Lin, who had studied in the United States, opened the first cinema in Xi’an at the Bell Tower, marking a significant cultural milestone. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Bell Tower, due to its elevated position, served as a warning station for air raids. The Kuomintang also used the tower’s four doors for imprisoning and interrogating revolutionaries and progressives. During this tumultuous period, the Bell Tower suffered damage, including the removal and theft of its gilded copper roof leaves.
Despite these challenges, the Bell Tower of Xi’an remains a symbol of the city’s historical and cultural heritage. Its evolution from a timekeeping and alarm tower to a central urban landmark reflects the dynamic history and development of Xi’an over the centuries.
Useful Tips Summarzied from Rivews
Entrance. The bell tower is located right in a roundabout. You have to go through the underground passage to access it. Any entrance to the metro will lead you there.
Starbucks. There are two Starbucks shops to the northwest and southeast corners of the bell tower. You can sip a cup of coffee and take a break there.
Combination tickets. The drum tower and bell tower are only 500 hundred meters away from each other. You can absolutely kill two birds with one stone.
Evening. When the night falls and the landscape lights are on, the bell tower will become even more gorgeous. If you happen to be there, do not miss the view.
