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
- 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
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.
