Peng Gao
You're planning a trip to Xi'an. The Terracotta Warriors are a lock. The city walls are on the list. But when your eyes land on that iconic, pagoda-style tower smack in the middle of a giant traffic roundabout, you pause. The Xi'an Bell Tower. It's on every postcard, every tour itinerary. But is it really worth it? Is it just a photo op from the outside, or does going inside add something meaningful to your trip?
I asked myself the same question. I ended up buying the ticket, climbing the steps, and spending a couple of hours there. Here's my completely honest breakdown—the good, the okay, and the things nobody tells you—to help you decide if the Bell Tower deserves a spot on your Xi'an itinerary.
What's Inside This Guide
Why the Bell Tower Might Be Worth Your Time
Let's cut to the chase. The Bell Tower is not a mind-blowing, life-changing museum. If you're expecting interactive exhibits or cinematic displays, you'll be disappointed. Its value lies in three specific things: history, architecture, and perspective.
I remember climbing those steep, ancient wooden steps—they're original, and you can feel the grooves worn by centuries of footsteps. That connection to the past is immediate. The tower was built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty, and its primary function was to tell time for the entire city. Standing inside, you're in the literal heartbeat of old Xi'an.
The architectural detail is what held my attention. The intricate dougong bracket systems holding up the triple-eaved roof are a masterpiece of carpentry, built without a single nail. I spent a good ten minutes just looking up at the painted beams and ceilings. The displays inside are simple—old bells, some historical panels—but they provide context. They explain how this was the central timekeeping device, how it coordinated with the Drum Tower to mark dawn and dusk.
Then there's the view. Walking around the exterior balcony offers a 360-degree panorama of modern Xi'an swirling around this ancient anchor. You see the frantic traffic circle below, the modern buildings, and in the distance, the outlines of the city wall. It frames the city's layered history perfectly. For photography, it's a unique vantage point you can't get from the ground.
Here's the non-consensus part: most people rush through the interior exhibits to get to the view. I think they're missing the point. The view is great, but the real worth is in feeling the building itself. Touch the wooden railings, notice the stone base, imagine the bells ringing out. It's an atmospheric experience, not an informational one.
How to Get to Xi'an Bell Tower
It couldn't be easier. The Bell Tower is the central landmark of Xi'an, and all transportation leads to it.
By Metro (Easiest & Most Recommended)
Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Bell Tower Station (钟楼站). Exit signs in the station (in English) will lead you directly to the underground pedestrian passageways that connect to the ticket office and the tower's entrance. You never have to cross street-level traffic. This is the method I used, and it was seamless.
By Public Bus
Dozens of bus routes stop at "Zhonglou" (Bell Tower). Look for routes like 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 26, 29, 32, 35, 36, 37, 43, 45, 46, 201, 203, 205, 206, 208, 214, 215, 216, 218, 221, 222, 229, 235, 239, 251, 252, 300, 302, 502, 512, 600, 603, 604, 605, 606, 608, 609, 611, 612, 618, 622, 702, and K630. The bus stop is on the perimeter of the roundabout.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Didi)
Simply tell the driver "Zhonglou." Be aware that traffic around the roundabout is often heavy, especially during peak hours. They will drop you on the side of the road, and you'll need to use the underground passages to reach the tower.
Pro Tip I Learned the Hard Way: Don't even try to cross the traffic circle above ground. It's chaotic and dangerous. The underground passages are clean, well-signed, and house small shops and food stalls. They are your only safe and official way to access the Bell Tower island.
Xi'an Bell Tower Tickets & Opening Hours
Here are the cold, hard facts you need to plan your visit. Prices are accurate and I've double-checked them against the official ticketing.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Ticket Price | 30 RMB (approx. $4.5 USD) |
| Combined Ticket (Bell Tower + Drum Tower) | 50 RMB (saves 10 RMB) |
| Opening Hours | 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM (April 1 – October 31) 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (November 1 – March 31) Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. |
| Ticket Purchase | Available on-site at the counters or via official WeChat channels. I bought mine on-site with cash; the line was short on a weekday afternoon. |
| Address / Location | Zhonglou Shangquan, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi. It's at the intersection of North, South, East, and West Streets. |
The combined ticket is almost always the better deal if you have any interest in the Drum Tower (more on that later).
The Absolute Best Time to Visit
Timing is everything here. Go at the wrong time, and you'll be jostling with crowds on a narrow balcony. Go at the right time, and you might have a moment of quiet awe.
Best Time of Day: Late Afternoon. Aim to enter around 1-2 hours before sunset. This gives you time to see the interior in daylight, and then be on the balcony for the golden hour. Seeing the city transition from day to night, with the lights of the tower and surrounding buildings coming on, is magical. It's also less crowded than midday.
Best Season: Shoulder Seasons (Spring & Autumn). Summer (June-August) is brutally hot and packed with domestic tourists. Winter can be very cold and smoggy. April-May and September-October offer milder weather and slightly thinner crowds.
Concrete Schedule for the Ideal Visit:
- 3:30 PM: Arrive via metro, buy your combined ticket.
- 4:00 PM: Explore the Bell Tower interior. Take your time with the architecture.
- 5:00 PM: Enjoy the panoramic view as the sun starts to lower.
- 5:30 PM: Walk through the underground passage to the Drum Tower (a 5-minute walk).
- 6:00 PM: Catch the short drum performance at the Drum Tower (they happen periodically, check the schedule as you enter).
- 6:30 PM: Watch the city lights activate from either tower. Perfect end.
Xi'an Bell Tower vs Drum Tower: Which is Better?
You'll see them sold as a pair, and they're only a few hundred meters apart. So, what's the difference? Do you need to see both?
I visited both, and here's my blunt comparison:
Xi'an Bell Tower
The Vibe: Regal, central, the star of the show. Better for iconic city views and understanding Xi'an's historical layout.
Architecture: Slightly more imposing and grander in scale.
Exhibits: Focus on timekeeping and the tower's civic function.
My Take: It feels more important historically. The view is more expansive because of its central location.
Drum Tower
The Vibe: Slightly more intimate, known for its collection of drums and periodic performances.
Architecture: Similar style, but the color scheme feels a tad different—worth a look for enthusiasts.
Exhibits: Focuses on drums and musical traditions. The main draw is the chance to see a live drum performance.
My Take: The performance (if you time it right) adds a dynamic element the Bell Tower lacks. The view is different, looking towards the Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter.
Verdict: If you must choose only one, pick the Bell Tower. It's the more iconic symbol and offers the definitive city-center view. However, the combined ticket is such good value that skipping the Drum Tower feels like a waste of 10 RMB. If you have 90 extra minutes, do both. The Drum Tower's performance breaks up the static museum feeling.
Your Bell Tower Questions Answered
So, is the Xi'an Bell Tower worth visiting? My final take is this: if you view it as a checkbox attraction where you need to be constantly entertained, you might find it underwhelming. But if you approach it as a chance to stand inside a piece of living history, to touch the wood worn smooth by time, and to gain that unique perspective over the modern city, then yes, it's absolutely worth the 30 RMB and the hour of your time. Pair it with the Drum Tower using the combo ticket, visit in the late afternoon, and you'll have a solid, satisfying cultural experience at the heart of ancient Chang'an.
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