Xi'an Drum Tower

Photo of Xi'an Drum Tower: Xi'an Drum Tower tickets

Address Beiyuanmen Sub-district, Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi

Hours 08:30–21:00

Phone +86 29 87274533

Announcement: Ancient Timekeeper

Entrance ¥30

Hours 08:30–21:00

Best Season When the drum performances are scheduled (usually several times a day)

Time needed 1 hour

Last visit: May 22, 2026

Author: Jian Zhao

Reviewer: Zhenyu Shi

Xi'an Drum Tower Travel Guide

Xi'an Drum Tower Guide: Tickets, Best Time & Nearby Muslim Quarter

Jian Zhao 2026-05-25 Verified

What's the best way to visit the Xi'an Drum Tower? This guide covers how to avoid crowds, ticket prices, what's inside, and the best food spots in the surrounding Muslim Quarter for an authentic experience.

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Xi'an Drum Tower Overview

Standing opposite the Bell Tower, this structure once housed huge drums that were beaten at sunset to signal the end of the day.

Xi'an Drum Tower Opening Hours & Tickets

08:30–21:00
Best season: When the drum performances are scheduled (usually several times a day)
Ticket note: Approx. 30 CNY; combined ticket with Bell Tower is approx. 50 CNY.

Essential Xi'an Drum Tower Visitor Information

Enquiries: +86 29 87274533
Public restrooms nearby
Small museum of ancient drums
Ticket office

How to Get to Xi'an Drum Tower

Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou Station, exit towards the Drum Tower/Muslim Quarter.

Xi'an Drum Tower Travel Safety & Advice

Police station located at the entrance of the Muslim Quarter nearby.

Practical Info

Beiyuanmen Sub-district, Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
08:30–21:00
+86 29 87274533

Jian Zhao

Certified Master Tour Guide

Jian Zhao, a Xi’an-based Certified Master Tour Guide, specializes in Northwest China itineraries covering the Terracotta Warriors, Hexi Corridor, and Mogao Caves.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

☆☆☆☆☆ — (0 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

Approx. 30 CNY; combined ticket with Bell Tower is approx. 50 CNY.

Online booking may be required

Tips

The tower features 24 drums representing the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar.

Reality Check

Entrance is tucked away near the Muslim Quarter entrance
Can be very noisy due to the drum performances
Lots of steps

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Xi'an Drum Tower Travel FAQ

What's the best order to visit the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Muslim Quarter in one go?

Start with the Drum Tower in the late afternoon (around 4 PM). Catch a drum performance, enjoy the view. Then, use the underground passage to visit the Bell Tower. By the time you finish, it'll be early evening—the perfect time to enter the Muslim Quarter from the Drum Tower's north side as the food stalls are hitting their peak and the lanterns are coming on. This sequence avoids the worst of the midday crowds and blends cultural sightseeing with dinner seamlessly.

How accessible is the Drum Tower for visitors with mobility issues?

This is a major limitation. Access to the main hall requires climbing a very steep, historic wooden staircase with no elevator alternative. The square around it is flat and accessible, but going inside and onto the viewing balcony is not feasible for those who cannot manage stairs. The Bell Tower has the same issue. It's a significant downside of these ancient structures.

I've heard about a "drum beating ceremony." Is that the same as the regular performances?

The short performances you see throughout the day are cultural demonstrations—costumed performers playing rhythmic pieces on replica drums. They're impressive. The actual ancient "ceremony" of beating the drum to mark the watches of the night is not recreated in full. Some tours might hype up a "ceremony," but manage your expectations. It's a performance, not a full historical re-enactment. Still, it helps bring the tower's purpose to life.

Is the Drum Tower worth going inside, or is seeing it from the square enough?

If you're just ticking a box, the square view is fine. But the interior and the balcony view provide the context that makes the structure meaningful. Seeing the drum collection and looking out over the old city grid makes you appreciate its historical function. The view north into the Muslim Quarter is a unique perspective you can't get anywhere else. For the price of a couple of coffees, I think it's worth it.