Hui Lin
What's Inside (Quick Jump)
I’ll never forget my first group at the Bell Tower. We lined up at the south entrance – only to find that ticket window takes cash only. No card. No Alipay. And I had zero yuan in my pocket. Awkward.
That’s the kind of thing that makes you wish you had a local guide’s cheat sheet. So here it is – everything I’ve learned about Xi'an Bell Tower tickets after dozens of visits. Prices, booking traps, time-saving hacks, and the one combo deal that tourists always miss.
Bottom line upfront: Book online via WeChat mini-program (or ask your hotel to do it). Avoid the midday sun. And never buy a separate Drum Tower ticket – the combo is cheaper.
Where to Buy Xi'an Bell Tower Tickets
Option 1: Official WeChat Mini-Program (Recommended)
This is the only way to guarantee entry and skip the queue. Search for “西安钟楼” in WeChat mini-programs. The interface is in Chinese, but it’s simple. I usually ask my hotel front desk to help – they’re happy to do it. You need a Chinese phone number or at least a WeChat account linked to a foreign number (works fine).
Option 2: On-site Ticket Windows
Only two windows accept foreign credit cards (Visa/Mastercard): the main north window and the west window. Cash (Chinese yuan) works everywhere. Warning: The south window (closest to the subway exit) is cash only and often has a long line. I always tell my groups: skip the south window, walk 2 minutes to the north side.
Option 3: Third-party Platforms (Trip.com, Klook, GetYourGuide)
These add a small markup (about 5-10 yuan) but accept international payment seamlessly. I use Trip.com when my clients are in a hurry. They send a QR code – scan at the turnstile. Easy.
– Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
How Much Do Xi'an Bell Tower Tickets Cost?
| Ticket Type | Price (CNY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Individual) | 30 | Valid for single entry only |
| Child (under 1.2m / 3.9ft) | Free | Must be accompanied by an adult |
| Student (full-time, with ID) | 15 | International student ID works |
| Senior (65+) | Free | Passport or senior card required |
| Bell Tower + Drum Tower Combo | 50 | Save 10 yuan (valid 2 days) |
Prices as of 2025. Discounts for groups of 10+ are available but require advance booking. I always push the combo ticket – the Drum Tower is a 5-minute walk away and totally worth it.
Best Time to Visit the Bell Tower
Golden window: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM. The light hits the bronze bells perfectly, and the crowds thin out after the school groups leave. I've seen too many tourists come at noon and melt in the heat – there's very little shade on the observation deck.
Avoid: Chinese public holidays (Golden Week in October, Labor Day in May) and weekends. Wait times can hit 45 minutes for tickets. Midweek mornings (9-11 AM) are also busy with tour groups.
If you're a photographer, arrive at 3:30 PM, buy your combo ticket, and head straight up to the third-floor gallery. The north-facing side gives the best view of the Drum Tower and the straight avenue.
Bell Tower + Drum Tower Combo: Save Money
The combo ticket costs 50 yuan and is valid for 2 consecutive days. That’s a 20% saving. Buy it at either tower’s ticket office or on the WeChat mini-program. Don't buy them separately – I see tourists do that every week.
My suggested order: Bell Tower first (to get the high view of the Drum Tower), then walk to the Drum Tower. The Drum Tower has a drum performance every hour on the hour – aim to arrive at 4:45 PM for the last show. The combo also gives you access to the Bell Tower’s small exhibition hall (Tang dynasty instruments) and the Drum Tower’s antique clock collection.
What to Expect Inside the Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is a three-story wooden structure built in 1384. Inside you’ll find:
- Ground floor: Ticket validation and a small gift shop. Nothing exciting.
- Second floor: A small museum with bronze bells, ancient timekeeping tools, and a video about the tower’s history (English subtitles, but the video is a bit dated).
- Third floor (observation deck): 360° views of Xi’an’s city center. The north side frames the Drum Tower; the south side shows the ancient city wall. Best photo spot: northwest corner at sunset.
Don't miss: The ancient bell itself – it's 2.5 meters tall and weighs 5 tons. There's a small rope you can pull to ring a replica (the real one is too fragile). And watch your head on the low beams – I've hit my head twice.
Xi'an Bell Tower Location & How to Get There
Address: Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Roundabout, intersection of East, West, South, and North Streets, Beilin District, Xi'an. The structure sits in the center of the traffic circle.
By subway: Line 2 (the red line) to Zhonglou Station. Use Exit C (exit C leads directly to the underpass that goes to the Bell Tower’s basement entrance). The walk from the train to the ticket window is about 4 minutes – all underground and air-conditioned.
By taxi: Tell the driver “Zhonglou” (pronounced jong-loh). The drop-off point is on East Street, 100 meters from the north entrance. If traffic is bad (common during rush hour), get off at the Kaiyuan Shopping Center and walk through the underground passage.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM). In winter (Nov–Feb), it closes at 8:00 PM. Check the official WeChat page for any sudden closures – sometimes they close for maintenance on Monday afternoons.
FAQ – Xi'an Bell Tower Tickets
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