Xi'an Bell Tower: Is It Worth Visiting?

Quick Verdict: Should You Go?

Yes—but with one big condition: go around 4:30 PM. The light is softer, the crowds thin out, and you can watch the transition from day to night from the top. The tower itself is not packed with relics; it's a bare-bones historical structure. The real attraction is the panoramic view of the city's ancient and modern layers.

If you're short on time (like a 24-hour layover), skip it unless you're obsessed with city views. Instead, prioritize the City Wall or the Muslim Quarter. But if you have a relaxed afternoon, the Bell Tower is a solid choice.

Practical Info: Tickets, Hours & Getting There

Best Time to Visit & How to Beat the Crowds

I've made every timing mistake possible. Here is the truth: 10 AM to 2 PM is the worst window. The sun is directly above, turning the tower into a giant heat lamp. Plus, that's when tour bus groups flood in—you'll be elbowing for space on the narrow stairs.

Golden window: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. The light angles perfectly through the carved windows. You'll see the shadow of the tower stretch across the four main avenues. Then stick around until the city lights flicker on around 7 PM (summer) or 5:30 PM (winter). The change is magical—the ancient roof tiles reflect the warm glow against the modern blue hour sky.

Weekdays are better than weekends. Avoid Chinese national holidays (May 1st, October 1st) if you can—the Bell Tower becomes a sardine can.

What to Expect: Inside the Bell Tower

Let me be blunt: the interior is not a museum. You'll find some old bells, a few wooden beams, and a stairwell that feels like a ship's ladder. The climb is three stories—short but steep. Elderly visitors with knee issues might want to skip the ascent (there is no elevator).

On the second floor, there's a small exhibit about the history of the bell and the city's ancient timekeeping. It's in Chinese and English, but the English is a bit awkward. Nothing you'll spend more than 5 minutes on.

The real payoff is the upper observation deck. Walk the perimeter—it's narrow, maybe only 1.5 meters wide. The view stretches all four ways: straight lines of Maoye Street, Dong Street, Xi Street, and the South Gate. You can see the Drum Tower to the west, and beyond that, the Muslim Quarter's gray roofs. To the east, the modern skyscrapers clash with the ancient walls. It's a visual story of China's last 600 years in one glance.

Best Photo Spots & Angles

Most tourists snap a quick selfie and leave. Don't be that person. Here are three killer spots I always guide my groups to:

1. The southeast corner of the upper deck (afternoon). You can frame the tower's flying eaves with the Drum Tower in the background. No filters needed—the afternoon light paints everything in gold.

2. The underground passage exit towards the East Street. From street level, shoot upwards at the tower against the sky. It makes the structure look massive. That's the classic postcard angle.

3. The rooftop of the Starbucks reserve on East Street. It's a 5-minute walk from the Bell Tower. The second-floor terrace gives a perfect eye-level view of the tower's glittering lights at night. Order a drink, relax, and soak in the scene.

Combine With Nearby Attractions

The Bell Tower is right in the center—everything is walkable. Here is an efficient afternoon route I use:

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Visit the Drum Tower (combo ticket ¥50). Climb up to see the giant drums and a small exhibition. Skip if you're not into drums—it's similar to the Bell Tower but with a different vibe.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Bell Tower (as described above).

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Walk through the Muslim Quarter (its close to the Drum Tower). Grab a lamb skewer and a persimmon cake from the stalls. Be careful of the motorbikes zipping through—they don't slow down for tourists.

6:30 PM onward: Head to the South Gate of the City Wall (20-minute walk or taxi ¥10). The wall looks spectacular when lit up. You can cycle along the top if it's still open (last entry around 8 PM in summer).

If you're exhausted, just find a rooftop bar near the South Gate and watch the lights from a distance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Buying tickets without checking the combo. The combo ticket for Bell Tower + Drum Tower costs ¥50, saving you ¥10. But only buy it if you plan to visit both on the same day—the combo is valid for only 24 hours. I've seen tourists buy it, then skip the Drum Tower because they ran out of time, wasting ¥20.

Mistake #2: Going with heavy luggage. There is no luggage storage at the Bell Tower. If you're arriving directly from the airport or train station, drop your bags at your hotel first. The nearest luggage locker is at the Xi'an Railway Station—but it's a hassle. Just don't.

Mistake #3: Expecting a grand bell-ringing ceremony. The big bell is not rung for tourists. It's a replica. The original is in the museum. Some guides will tell you it's rung at specific times, but in my experience, that's rare. Manage your expectations.

Mistake #4: Using the main entrance at noon. The main entrance faces the south square, which is a wide, sun-baked plaza. The queue snakes in the open sun. Instead, access the tower via the underground passage from the metro station—it leads directly to the north entrance, which is shaded and rarely has a line.

Frequently Asked Questions