Xi'an Bell Tower

Address Beiyuanmen Sub-district, Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Hours 08:30–21:00
Phone +86 29 87276520
Announcement: City Heart
Entrance ¥30
Hours 08:30–21:00
Best Season Blue hour (just af...
Time needed 1 hour
Last visit: Jul 11, 2026
Author: Hong Ma
Reviewer: Qing Tang
Xi'an Bell Tower: Your Essential Visit Guide

Xi'an Bell Tower: Your Essential Visit Guide

Planning a visit to Xi'an Bell Tower? This detailed guide covers tickets, opening hours, how to get there, and insider tips for the best experience. Learn about its history and how to combine it with the Drum Tower.

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Xi'an Bell Tower: Is It Worth Visiting?

Xi'an Bell Tower: Is It Worth Visiting?

Wondering if the Xi'an Bell Tower is worth your time? I've brought over 200 groups here—here's my honest take on tickets, best hours, hidden photo spots, and how to avoid the crowds.

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Xi'an Bell Tower Overview

The geographical center of Xi'an, this iconic Ming Dynasty structure marks the intersection of the four main avenues of the ancient walled city.

Xi'an Bell Tower Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:30–21:00
  • Best season: Blue hour (just after sunset) for photography
  • Ticket note: Single ticket for Bell Tower or Drum Tower; combo tickets available for a slight...

Essential Xi'an Bell Tower Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 29 87276520
  • Ticket counter (underground)
  • Small display room
  • City view balcony

How to Get to Xi'an Bell Tower

Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Station.

Xi'an Bell Tower Travel Safety & Advice

Security post located in the underground tunnel entrance.

Practical Info

  • Beiyuanmen Sub-district, Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
  • 08:30–21:00
  • +86 29 87276520
Hong Ma
Hong Ma
Certified Master Tour Guide
Hong Ma, a Lanzhou-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Northwest China itineraries covering the 8-Day Hexi Corridor expedition, ancient Buddhist grottoes pilgrimage, and Mogao Caves.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.3 (20 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Single ticket for Bell Tower or Drum Tower; combo tickets available for a slight...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Check the performance schedule for the traditional bell ringing ceremony performed by staff in period costumes.

Reality Check

  • Accessed via a confusing underground pedestrian tunnel
  • Limited space on the upper balcony during peak hours
  • Better viewed from the outside at night
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Recent Reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ (20)
Sightseer_Sa Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Nomad_Joe_Ro Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

Luna_Maps Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Chris_Advent Jul 06, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

TravelBug_Ka Jul 06, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Chloe_Chowho Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

TravelBugTim Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

SarahLovesHi Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

Mike_the_Exp Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

JennyWanderl Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Sunset_Chase Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

mike_from_ny Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

foodie_nomad Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

Jenny_Advent Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

TravelBug_88 Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Explorer_Kev May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

SunnyDays_Ja May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

Mike_R May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Chloe_in_Chi May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

TravelBug_An May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

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Xi'an Bell Tower Travel FAQ

I'm visiting with limited mobility. Can I still access the Bell Tower?
This is a significant challenge. The only way up is via several flights of old, steep, and sometimes slippery wooden stairs. There is no elevator or ramp. The underground passages to reach the entrance also involve stairs, though some have escalators. The ground floor exhibition is accessible, but the defining view from the upper floors is not. I'd recommend enjoying the tower from the surrounding square and the second-floor viewing windows of the nearby Starbucks, which offers a fantastic, barrier-free alternative panorama.
What's the one thing most tourists miss at the Bell Tower?
They miss looking down. Everyone looks out at the horizon. Take a moment to look straight down over the railings at the base of the tower itself. You'll see the massive, sloping stone pedestal it sits on. Observe the intricate traffic flow of the roundabout—a modern dance of cars, bikes, and buses circling a static Ming Dynasty monument. This vertical perspective, from ancient foundation to modern street level, perfectly encapsulates Xi'an.
How do I get a good photo with the Bell Tower without the crowds?
The classic shot from the street-level roundabout is always crowded. For a cleaner shot, use the elevated second-floor walkways of the surrounding shopping malls (like the one connected to Exit 6 of the metro). From inside, for a people-free shot of the structure itself, focus on architectural details—the painted eaves, the corner brackets, a single carved dragon head against the sky. Wide shots of the viewing deck will almost always include people, so lean into the detail work.
Is it worth going inside the Bell Tower, or is the outside view enough?
The outside view is iconic, but it's two-dimensional. Going inside answers the "why." Feeling the scale of the wooden pillars, seeing the city's radial layout from the exact center, and understanding its timekeeping purpose adds layers you can't get from the street. If you're just ticking a box, stay outside. If you want to feel Xi'an's historical pulse, go up.
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