Bell Tower

The Xi'an Bell Tower is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient bell towers in China, originally built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty. This magnificent wooden structure stands 36 meters tall and occupies an area of 1,377 square meters. The tower was strategically positioned at the exact center of the ancient walled city, serving as the symbolic heart of Xi'an for centuries. Its architectural style represents the pinnacle of Ming Dynasty wooden construction, featuring intricate dougong brackets, colorful paintings, and traditional Chinese roof designs. The tower originally housed a massive bronze bell that was rung at dawn to mark the start of the day, while the nearby Drum Tower would sound drums at dusk. Today, visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of modern Xi'an while surrounded by ancient history.