The Bell and Drum Towers of Xi’an
The Bell and Drum Towers of Xi’an are landmarks located at the center of Xi’an city. The Bell Tower stands at the intersection of four main streets: east, west, south and north, with the Drum Tower just 500 meters away. Both towers hold significant historical and artistic value.
The Bell Tower consists of a base and two floors. The base is 8.6 meters high and covers an area of approximately 1377 square meters. It serves as the center from which the four main streets extend, connecting with the four gates of the city wall. With a total height of 36 meters, the Bell Tower features a three-tiered eave design, four-cornered curved roof, intricate carved beams and painted rafters inside, and a gilded top. It exemplifies the architectural and decorative skills of the Ming Dynasty and is one of the largest and most well-preserved bell towers in China.
The Drum Tower of Xi’an, often referred to as the “sister tower” of the Bell Tower, was built four years earlier. It stands at a height of 34 meters and incorporates the characteristics of Tang and Song Dynasty architecture, with a three-eave roof in the Xieshan style. The interior is adorned with colorful paintings and golden decorations, while the top is crowned with a gilded roof.
Together, the Bell and Drum Towers create a harmonious atmosphere, with the bells tolling at dawn and drums beating at dusk.
Based on the Discover China series published by Beijing Publishing Group and Beijing Publishing House, this column integrates Chinese history, customs, traditional culture and artistic treasures to introduce China's ancient capitals, cultural landmarks, humanistic and natural wonders.
The editor of the Discover China series, Lin Detang, is the president of the Beijing Tourism Derivatives Association and a visiting professor at the School of Hotel Management of the China University of Labour Relations. Mr Lin has long been committed to theoretical research and entrepreneurial promotion of the integrated development of the cultural tourism industry.