Xi'an Bell Tower Travel FAQ
What if I only have 24 hours in Xi'an? Should I still squeeze in the Bell Tower at the best time?
Short answer: yes, but don't let it eat your whole day. Combine it with a visit to the Drum Tower and the Muslim Quarter. I'd do: Bell Tower 4:30–5:15 PM, then walk to Drum Tower (closes 5:30 PM, but you can see the exterior), then dive into the Muslim Quarter for dinner. You'll have covered three sights in one efficient loop. If you're exhausted, skip the interior and just enjoy the platform—you'll still get your money's worth.
Can I use my credit card to buy a ticket at the window?
In theory, the main ticket office accepts Visa and MasterCard. In practice, the terminal often has issues—card readers are finicky, and the staff may wave you away to the WeChat QR code. I've seen it work maybe 50% of the time. Better to bring 60 RMB in cash (exact change) or have a local friend scan the QR code for you. If you're stuck, look for the English-speaking guide near the entrance—they might help you buy a ticket on their phone.
Is it really that crowded on weekends? Should I avoid Saturdays?
Saturdays are noticeably busier, but not unmanageable if you hit the 4:30 PM window. The real nightmare is Sunday morning—families and locals swarm in. If your only free day is Saturday, go at 8:30 AM or 4:30 PM. Avoid 11 AM–2 PM at all costs. And if you see a long queue for tickets, check if you can buy online via WeChat—sometimes the queue moves slowly because only one window is open.
What's the worst time to visit Xi'an Bell Tower for photos?
Between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM in summer. The sun is directly overhead, turning the tower into a flat grey shape. Shadows are short and ugly. Plus, you'll be cooking under the sun—the platform has zero shade. I've had guests give up and leave after 10 minutes. If you're stuck at that time, head to the underground shopping arcade nearby and come back later.
How long should I spend inside the Bell Tower?
The interior is small—a few exhibition halls with ancient bells and historical artifacts. You can cover it in 20 minutes. Most visitors spend 40–60 minutes total (including the platform walk around). If you're in a hurry, skip the interior and just walk the platform; you'll still see the bell from the ground floor. The real value is the 360° view of Xi'an's city center.
Can I get to Xi'an Bell Tower from the airport by subway?
Technically yes, but it's a two-line transfer and takes about 1.5 hours. Take Airport Line to Xi'an North Station, then switch to Line 2 southbound. If you have luggage, take the airport bus (¥25) — drops you right at the Bell Tower Hotel. Faster and cheaper.
What's the cheapest way to reach Xi'an Bell Tower from Xi'an North Railway Station?
Subway Line 2 costs ¥5. Pay by scanning Alipay or buy a token at the machine. Avoid taking taxi from the station — drivers often refuse short trips or charge inflated prices.
Is Xi'an Bell Tower accessible for wheelchair users?
The ground level around the tower is flat and accessible. However, climbing the tower itself requires stairs — no elevator. The Drum Tower also lacks elevator. For wheelchair users, I recommend just viewing from outside. You get a great view from the surrounding plaza.
How do I buy tickets for Xi'an Bell Tower without a Chinese phone number?
Go directly to the on-site ticket window. They accept cash. No need for a phone number. If you want to pre-book, use a service like Trip.com or Klook — they sell tickets with English support. Slightly higher price (¥35) but saves hassle.
Can I use Uber-style apps to get to Bell Tower?
Yes, Didi (Chinese Uber) has an English version. Download the app before you arrive — you'll need to add a credit card or use Alipay. If you can't set that up, ask your hotel to call a taxi. Most hotels have a designated taxi stand.
Recent Reviews
Just brilliant. I visited on a weekday morning, so I basically had the upper floor to myself. The carvings on the ceilings are so detailed, and the exhibits about how the bell was cast are fascinating. You can even ring a replica (small donation). The view from the top gives you perfect straight lines down the main streets. It’s right in the centre and the ticket includes a decent little museum upstairs. If you love history and architecture, this is unmissable.
This was such a beautiful surprise. I didn't expect to be so moved by a bell tower, but the atmosphere inside is calm and grand at the same time. The old bells are enormous, and the inscriptions on the walls tell so much history if you take time to read them. I loved leaning against the railing on the second floor and watching the cars circle below—it's like a pulse of the city. The staff were friendly and the restrooms clean, which is a bonus. Highly recommend combining it with the Drum Tower across the square.
Incredible! Coming through the underground tunnel and emerging right at the base of the Bell Tower is surreal. The ancient building in the middle of a chaotic modern roundabout just works. I went up right before sunset and stayed to hear the bell ring. The wooden beams, painted ceilings, and bronze bell are stunning. The view as the city lights came on was nothing short of magical. Easily one of my favorite moments in Xi'an. Don't skip it!
Loved the experience overall. Walking up the stairs gives you a real sense of history, and the exhibitions about the old bell and drum are interesting. The wooden architecture is beautiful, and the small courtyard around the tower is a peaceful spot to rest. Only downside: it was very crowded on a Saturday, and there's not much shelter if it rains while you're queuing on the narrow walkway. Still, the views of the four main streets stretching out from the tower are worth the wait.
I really wanted to love this place. The Bell Tower is iconic and the location is impossible to miss, but my visit was a bit flat. You have to cross an underpass to get to it, and once inside, much of the upper floor was closed off with barriers. There wasn’t much signage in English, and the audio guide I got kept cutting out. The view over the traffic circle is cool for a few minutes, but I wouldn't say it's worth the ticket price if you're not really into history. I'd advise seeing it from the street at night instead.
One of my favorite stops in Xi'an, hands down. The Bell Tower sits right in the center of the city, and the contrast between the ancient structure and the endless traffic swirling around it is just surreal. I recommend walking through the underground passage to get there – it's an experience in itself, like a hidden pedestrian maze. The night visit was fantastic; they light up the tower so beautifully that it looks straight out of a movie. I also loved listening to the bell performance – even the hour marker bells felt powerful. Great value for the ticket, especially if you combine it with the Drum Tower nearby. Five stars, no question.
What a gem! I came here on a whim and ended up staying for almost two hours. The architecture is breathtaking, and I loved how you can see the modern city blending with ancient structures from the top. The little museum area inside is surprisingly informative – I learned about how bells were used for signaling time in ancient China. Also, the surrounding area is super walkable, with great street food spots nearby. If you're into history or photography, this is a must-visit. I'd absolutely come back again, maybe during the day AND at night.
Absolutely loved it! The Bell Tower is stunning both day and night, but I recommend going right before the evening lights turn on. I watched the sunset from the top, and then the whole city slowly lit up around me – magical. The interior has some interesting exhibits about ancient timekeeping and the tower's history, and I appreciated that there were QR codes for English audio guides. Clean, well-organized, and the staff were friendly when I asked about the best photo spots. Easily one of the highlights of my trip to Xi'an. Don't skip the night view from the square below either!
Pretty solid visit overall. The Bell Tower is iconic and the view from the top gives you a great vantage point over the city grid. I went around sunset, so the lighting was beautiful, and I got some nice shots of the surrounding streets. The ticket price is reasonable for what it is. My only complaint: the drum show felt a bit rushed and more like a quick performance for tourists than a genuine cultural demonstration. Still, I'd say it's worth doing if you're in Xi'an and want a classic landmark experience without spending too much time.
I visited Xi'an Bell Tower on a Tuesday evening and honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed. The structure itself is impressive from the outside, but once you cross the street and go in, it feels more like a photo-op spot than an actual historical experience. There are few informational signs in English, and the ones that exist are pretty bare-bones. I paid for the ticket and was done in 20 minutes. Also, the traffic noise from the roundabout really kills the ambiance inside the courtyard. If you're short on time, just take a photo from the pedestrian underpass and skip the entrance fee.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the Bell Tower completely blew me away. The symmetry, the red pillars, the ancient bell—it’s like stepping into a postcard. We went at 6pm and caught the bell ringing ceremony, which was a lovely touch. Great for both history buffs and casual tourists. Plus, the view from the top gives you an incredible 360° panorama of Xi’an. Absolutely worth the ticket!
One of the best landmarks I’ve visited in China! The Bell Tower is not only photogenic but also rich in history. I loved the ancient bells and the detailed architecture up close. The staff were friendly and the audio guide was worth getting—it explained a lot about how the tower was used in Ming Dynasty. Perfect spot to start exploring the Muslim Quarter too. 10/10 would come again.
Absolutely breathtaking! Standing right at the center of Xi’an, you can feel the pulse of the city. The Bell Tower is beautifully restored, and the night view with all the lit-up surroundings is pure magic. I spent almost an hour just walking around the base and taking pictures. Highly recommend going just before sunset—the golden hour makes it glow. Don’t miss it!
Nice visit overall—the tower is impressive, especially at sunset when the light hits the wooden carvings. I liked the small museum upstairs with old photos of Xi’an. Only downside was the noise from the traffic below; it kinda breaks the ancient vibe. Still, a solid spot for a quick history fix and some good photos.
Honestly, the Bell Tower itself is a stunning piece of architecture, but the whole experience felt a bit overcrowded and rushed. The ticket queue was long, and once inside, you’re pushed along with the crowd—hard to really soak in the history. For the price, I expected a bit more info or at least clearer signs. Worth a quick look if you’re nearby, but don’t go out of your way.
One of the most iconic landmarks I've ever seen. I arrived just before sunset and watched the colors change over the tower — magical. The ticket price is very reasonable, and the surrounding pedestrian area is perfect for a relaxed stroll. If you're in Xi'an, you cannot skip this place. 10/10 would recommend!
Loved the vibe around the Bell Tower! It's right in the center of the city, surrounded by shopping streets and food stalls. I went during the day and the sunlight made the green and gold roof pop. The staff was friendly and let me take photos without rushing. A solid experience — just wish there was more English signage.
It's a cool historical site, but honestly, I expected a bit more. The inside is mostly just a few exhibition rooms and the climb up the stairs is narrow and tiring. The area outside is super busy and full of vendors. For the entrance fee, I feel like you can get a better experience at the Drum Tower nearby. Not bad, just not amazing.
I was blown away by how well-preserved this landmark is. The wooden structure and intricate carvings are incredible. I spent about an hour just walking around the square, listening to the bell chime at certain hours. The only downside was the long queue to buy tickets — took almost 20 minutes. Still, totally worth it.
The Bell Tower is absolutely stunning at night when it's all lit up. I went around 8pm and the crowd had thinned out, so I could really take in the details of the ancient architecture. The view from the top is fantastic — you can see the four main streets stretching out perfectly. Definitely a must-see in Xi'an!
I was blown away by how grand the Bell Tower looks up close. The detailed carvings and the traditional paintwork are just gorgeous. I went on a weekday morning and had the place almost to myself, which made it even more special. The view from the top is postcard-perfect, especially looking down the main avenues. 10/10 experience – don't skip this!
One of the best landmarks I've visited in China. The Bell Tower is perfectly preserved and you can really feel the centuries of history. I loved hearing the bell ring – it's so resonant and powerful! The location is super convenient, right next to the Muslim Quarter, so you can combine both in one trip. A must-do for anyone coming to Xi'an.
Absolutely breathtaking! Standing on the Bell Tower at sunset was a magical experience. The ancient architecture mixed with the modern city buzzing around you creates such a unique vibe. The staff was friendly, and the little museum inside gave me a good sense of its history. I spent almost two hours just soaking it all in. Highly recommend!
A solid visit if you're in Xi'an. The tower sits right in the center of the city and gives you a nice panoramic view of the old town and traffic circle below. The historical info boards are decent, but the climb up the stairs can be tiring. I'd recommend going early to avoid the crowds. Worth it for the photo ops, but not a must-see twice.
The Bell Tower is stunning from the outside, especially at night when it's all lit up. But honestly, the entrance fee felt a bit steep for what you get inside. There's not much to see beyond the bell itself and a few exhibits, and the queues were painfully long. If you're short on time, just admire it from the square.
I'm not usually a big 'landmark' person, but the Bell Tower totally won me over. The evening light show was stunning—the whole structure lit up in changing colors against the dark sky. Plus, the area around it has amazing street food (try the biangbiang noodles nearby!). Perfect spot for photos and a relaxed evening stroll.
Hands down the best view of Xi'an! I went up right when it opened to avoid crowds and was blown away by the 360-degree panorama. You can see the Drum Tower, the old city walls, and even the modern skyline. Also, the audio guide had great stories about the Ming Dynasty. Five stars, no question.
Absolutely breathtaking! Visiting the Bell Tower at sunset was magical. The golden light hitting the ancient bricks, the huge bronze bell, and the intricate carvings—every detail tells a story. I spent almost two hours just soaking it all in. A must-see for anyone who appreciates Chinese history and architecture.
The Bell Tower is undeniably a landmark. Climbing to the top gives you a nice view of the city, and the exhibits inside are interesting. My only complaint is the ticket price felt a bit steep for the time you spend there, and the surrounding square is a bit chaotic with vendors. Still worth a visit if you're in Xi'an though.
I really wanted to love the Bell Tower, but honestly the crowds were unbearable. Even on a weekday morning, it was packed shoulder-to-shoulder. The structure itself is impressive but the constant noise from traffic and street vendors made it hard to appreciate the history. Felt a bit overhyped for what you actually get.
Absolutely magical experience! I timed my visit for sunset and watched the city lights come on from the top. The bell ringers gave a short performance that echoed through the streets – gave me goosebumps. Staff were friendly and the whole area is well-maintained. One of my favorite memories in China!
I expected a bit more history inside. There are a few displays about the bell and some old artifacts, but most of the information is in Chinese only. The structure itself is beautiful, but ticket price feels high for what you actually get. Decent for a quick stop, but I wouldn't make a special trip.
Great spot to get your bearings in Xi'an. The Bell Tower sits right at the center of the city, so it's super easy to find. I didn't go up – just admired it from the outside while grabbing a coffee nearby. The surrounding pedestrian streets are perfect for a stroll. No complaints, but nothing mind-blowing either.
I visited on a Saturday afternoon and it was insanely crowded. The queue to go up took almost an hour, and once inside it felt cramped and rushed. The architecture is impressive, but honestly the experience was ruined by the mass of tourists pushing around. Not worth the 30 yuan if you ask me.
The Bell Tower is absolutely stunning at night! The warm golden lights make the ancient structure glow against the dark sky. I climbed up and took dozens of photos from every angle – the view of the four main streets radiating out is breathtaking. A must-visit if you're in Xi'an!
It's a cool historical site but I expected more interactive exhibits. The audio guide helped a bit, but it was pretty basic. On the plus side, the location is super central and easy to find. I liked that there's a small shop inside selling replicas of ancient coins. Not a bad way to spend an hour, but I wouldn't call it a highlight of Xi'an. Decent, but not mind-blowing.
A photographer's dream! I came here during golden hour and the light hitting the ancient brickwork was just magical. The architecture is so intricate – those painted beams and upturned eaves are gorgeous. I also loved that you can see the Drum Tower from the top. The staff were friendly and the area around is great for grabbing bubble tea and souvenirs. Highly recommend combining it with a walk on the Muslim Quarter.
Honestly, I was a bit let down. The Bell Tower is iconic, sure, but the interior is pretty bare – just a few old bells and some dusty exhibits. The view from the top is nice, but not much different from what you see on the ground. Plus, the ticket price (30 yuan) feels steep for what you get. I spent maybe 15 minutes inside and that was enough. If you're short on time, just take a photo from outside.
I enjoyed my visit but it was way too crowded when I went on a Saturday afternoon. The tower itself is impressive, with some interesting historical displays inside. The climb up the stairs is a bit tiring but doable. My only complaint is that the line for tickets took 20 minutes, and once inside you're constantly shuffling with the crowd. Still a must-see – just go early on a weekday if you can.
Absolutely stunning at night! The Bell Tower is beautifully lit up and looks even more majestic against the dark sky. I went around 7pm and stayed for almost an hour just taking in the view from the square. The surrounding pedestrian streets are lively with street food and music. Totally worth the 30 yuan ticket to go up – you get a 360° panorama of the city. One of the best landmarks I've visited in China!
Leave a Review