Hong Ma
Quick Guide – What You'll Find
Let's be real. Xi'an Bell Tower and Drum Tower – they're right in the city center, everyone says you must see them. But is the joint ticket actually a deal? I've taken dozens of groups there, and here's what I wish someone had told me before my first time.
Why Bother with the Joint Ticket?
Simple: you save money and time. Buying separate tickets costs more (Bell Tower 30 RMB, Drum Tower 30 RMB, total 60). The joint ticket is only 50 RMB – that's 10 RMB saved, enough for a cold drink. But more importantly, you skip the line at the second ticket window. Trust me, on a hot summer day, that matters.
One thing I always tell my clients: the joint ticket is valid for two days, so you don't have to squeeze both in one afternoon. But honestly, you can see both in 3–4 hours if you're not rushing every corner.
Price, Opening Hours & Where to Buy
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Joint Ticket Price | 50 RMB (adult) – no student or senior discount on the combo, but single tickets have discounts (bring ID). |
| Single Bell Tower | 30 RMB |
| Single Drum Tower | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours (Bell Tower) | 08:00–22:00 (last entry 21:30) – summer; 08:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30) – winter. But the tower closes at 22:00/21:00, not the ticket office. |
| Opening Hours (Drum Tower) | 08:30–18:00 (last entry 17:30) year-round. Yes, it closes much earlier! Plan accordingly. |
| Where to Buy | Online: official WeChat mini-program (search "西安钟楼门票") or travel platforms like Trip.com, Klook. Offline: ticket windows at each tower (but online is easier). |
How to Actually Buy the Ticket (Without WeChat Headaches)
Navigating a Chinese mini-program in pure Mandarin? Even I struggle sometimes. Here's a workaround I use for my guests:
- Option 1: Ask your hotel staff – they can book it for you on their phone. Most hotels in Xi'an are used to this.
- Option 2: Use Trip.com – English interface, search "Xi'an Bell Tower and Drum Tower Joint Ticket", pay with international credit card. Instant e-voucher. Show the QR code at either tower entrance.
- Option 3: Buy at the window – cash or Chinese mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat). International cards? Rarely accepted. So bring cash (50 RMB exactly helps).
Pro tip: If you buy online, the QR code works at both towers. No need to print anything. But save a screenshot – sometimes the network inside the historic structures is terrible.
Best Time to Visit – And When to Avoid
Morning? Forget it. The Bell Tower square is packed with tour groups until 11am. I always recommend starting at the Drum Tower around 2pm. Why?
- Drum Tower has a daily drum performance at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm. Each lasts 15 minutes. If you go early, you'll see a performance.
- After the Drum Tower (around 3:30pm), walk the 5 minutes to the Bell Tower. By then, some crowds have thinned.
- Stay at the Bell Tower until sunset (around 6–7pm). The view of the city from the top as lights come on? Absolutely worth the climb.
- Avoid the noon rush (12–1:30pm) – the stone steps are scorching, and there's no shade on the platforms.
What to Expect at Each Tower
Bell Tower (西安钟楼)
Built in 1384, this is the largest and best-preserved bell tower in China. You'll climb a steep staircase (think 80+ steps) to the top. Inside there's a small exhibition on ancient timekeeping. The real magic is the panoramic view of Xi'an's concentric city walls. On a clear day you can see all four gates.
- Photography spot: The northwest corner of the upper platform gives you a perfect shot of the Drum Tower in the distance.
- Wheelchair access: No elevator. The stairs are ancient and uneven. If you have mobility issues, the ground floor is still nice but you can't go up.
Drum Tower (西安鼓楼)
Located just 200 meters northwest of the Bell Tower. It's slightly smaller but has a cool drum exhibition. The drum performances are fun – don't miss them. The top floor also offers a good view, but faces the Muslim Quarter, which is a sea of grey roofs.
- Inside: A collection of giant drums from different dynasties. Some you can touch (gently).
- Restrooms: There's one inside the Drum Tower (first floor), but it's tiny. Better to use the public toilet near the entrance of Muslim Quarter before going up.
Nearby Sights Worth Your Time
Both towers sit at the heart of Xi'an. Within a 10-minute walk you can hit:
- Muslim Quarter (回民街) – just north of the Drum Tower. Great for food, but crowded. I recommend trying the persimmon cake (柿子饼) and lamb skewers.
- Xi'an City Wall – the south gate (Yongningmen) is a 15-minute walk from the Bell Tower. Rent a bike and cycle the top.
- Gaojia Courtyard (高家大院) – a Qing dynasty mansion inside Muslim Quarter. Entry is 15 RMB. Quiet escape from the chaos.
If you have only one day, this combo (Bell and Drum towers + Muslim Quarter + City Wall) is my go-to itinerary for first-timers.
FAQ – Stuff Most Guides Don't Tell You
This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.
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