Drum Tower 西安鼓楼
- Along with the Bell Tower a symbol of Xian
- First dates from 1380 in the early Ming Dynasty
- Now houses a collection of drums in a museum
- Good views from the top of the building
- Original drum was sounded at sunset
Xian's Drum Tower dates from 1380 and together with the Bell Tower sounded the beginning and end of each day. The bell was rung at dawn and the drum was beaten at dusk. The drums would also beat out in times of emergency.
The wooden Drum Tower stands on a 50 meter long brick arch and is 111 meters high. The building is situated a short stroll to the north west of the Bell Tower.
The Drum Tower was renovated twice during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in 1699 and 1740. No iron nails were used in its construction.
Xian's Drum Tower now displays a collection of ancient drums and performances are given throughout the day. One huge drum is reputed to be the largest in China.
The Drum Tower stands on the edge of the Muslim Quarter and there are a number of good food stalls and souvenir stores around the base of the tower.
There are tremendous views over the city from the top of the tower.
Xian Drum Tower Access
Enter up steps on the eastern side of the building and buy a combined ticket for the Bell and Drum towers together.
Take Xian metro Line 2 to Zhonglou Station (Bell Tower) and then walk five minutes to the west. By bus, Tourist Line 8 (#610) goes to the Bell Tower.
Hours: 8.30 am-9 pm March 26 - October 25; 8.30 am-6 pm October 26 - March 25; ticket sales stop 30 minutes before closing time.
Xian Attractions
Other attractions in Xian include the Terracotta Army, Xian Bell Tower, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. In addition other highlights of this ancient city include the Great Mosque, the colorful Muslim Quarter, Louguantai, Shaanxi History Museum and Xian City Walls.
Book Hotel Accommodation in Xian Here
Xian has a variety of places to stay to suit all budgets. Hotels in the center of town are the five star Grand Park Xi'an, the four star Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an and the Vienna Hotel Xi'an Bell Tower also four stars.
Book Hotels in Xian - Booking.com
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Grand Park Xi'an
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an
Crowne Plaza Xi'an