Xi'an Bell Tower
The 1384 Ming tower on the roundabout where the four main streets of the walled city meet: the zero point of Xi'an, moved to this spot in 1582 when the city's centre shifted, and the building every address in the old town is measured from. You reach it only by underpass from the corners of the roundabout; upstairs is a small exhibition, a bell-chime performance and a walk-round balcony over the traffic. Run jointly with the Drum Tower, 250 m west, by one municipal museum: ¥30 each or ¥50 for both, sold on the museum's WeChat official account (advance booking is compulsory on holidays; on ordinary days the gate sells tickets, by a 2024 listing), open to 21:30 in the long season for the lit-up view.
Book on the museum's WeChat official account 西安钟鼓楼 before you go: on public holidays advance purchase is compulsory — real-name timed slots (8:30-11:30 / 11:30-14:30 / 14:30-17:30 / 17:30-21:00) with a daily cap, and anyone without a ticket is turned away (2024 listing quoting the museum); on ordinary days the same listing says the gate sells, but do not count on it in peak weeks. No paper exchange — enter with the code or an ID card. Info 029-87276420 (Bell), 029-87278797 (Drum)Secondhand source
ID rules: see details. Enter with the booking code or an ID card (listing); the over-65 free ticket is for Chinese nationals with an ID card (or a Shaanxi / Xi'an senior card) and the disability concession requires a Chinese ID card — foreign visitors are not covered; passport not mentioned anywhere — see the city tips note on concessions.
Book on the WeChat official account 西安钟鼓楼 (or Ctrip) → underpass → show the code at the base → single ¥30 or combo ¥50 (combo sales end 20:00 in season) → stairs up; the combo is also valid at the Drum Tower the same day. Ordinary-day walk-up at the base ticket office by a 2024 listing — not on holidays.
Go up at dusk: the towers light up, the roundabout glows, and the winter close at 18:00 means only the April-October season gives the night view. The balcony is narrow — the museum has closed the outer gallery when crowded.
Bilingual panels in the exhibition; the bell performance needs no language.
How to visit
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