The Bell Tower of Xi’an
Rich in history, the Chinese city of Xi’an (or Xi An) has much to offer in terms of historical attractions such as the ancient Bell Tower, well worth a visit on your trip.
Planning a Visit
This well-known structure is in the city centre itself, only around a 10-minute walk from Grand Park Xian. It stands at a busy intersection and can be accessed via a northside underpass. Most public buses have stops near this tower which can also be reached by metro via the Bell Tower Station.
Tower’s Design
Easy to reach from Xi An, China hotels in the city centre, the two-storey Bell Tower is 36 metres in height and is amongst the best-preserved of its kind in the country. It features tiles of dark green on its eaves and a roof with gold-plating showcasing Ming-style design; not to be missed is seeing the tower lit up at night.
A Bit of History
The original tower dates to the Ming Dynasty when it was constructed under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang in the 14th century. While it occupied the city’s central axis for centuries, it was later moved to its new position in the 16th century as Xi’an began to expand which led to its geographical centre changing as well.
Key Highlights
On a visit to the Xi’an Bell Tower, you will notice fascinating engravings on the doors, while you can also view a large bell, though it’s smaller than the original Jingyun Bell used during the Tang Dynasty. There are short musical performances held daily here and you can also climb up to the terrace to take in city views.
