The Bell Tower and Drum Tower were once vitally important buildings in Xi’an’s ancient past. As with many places in China, drum and bell towers were used to tell the time. In the morning, the Bell Tower gave the signal that the city was open for business. In the afternoon, the drums were beaten to let people who didn’t live in the city know it was time to leave as the city gate would be closed and the drawbridge raised. The original giant bronze Jingyun bell from the Tang dynasty is now on display at the Xi’an Beilin Museum. Here you will also find exhibitions showcasing drums, Chinese calligraphy and paintings, antique porcelain and furniture in the Drum Tower. Be sure to make this part of your Xi’an visit.
Update: July 29, 2021
