Bell Tower of Xi'an

시안 종루

The Bell Tower of Xi'an is a Ming-dynasty tower in the very centre of Xi'an, China. It was built in 1384 and is a symbol of the city. It sits at the crossing of four main streets, on the axis of the old Imperial Way.

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At a glance

Country: China
Location: Xi’an, China
Built: 1384
Height: 40 m
Type: Tower

Quick answers

Where is Bell Tower of Xi'an?

Bell Tower of Xi'an is in Xi’an, China.

When was Bell Tower of Xi'an built?

Bell Tower of Xi'an was built in 1384.

How tall is Bell Tower of Xi'an?

Bell Tower of Xi'an is about 40 m tall.

A Ming-dynasty tower at the heart of Xi’an: triple green-glazed eaves on a brick base pierced by four arched tunnels.

The tower is made of brick and timber, with a square brick base about 1,377 square metres in area, and it is about 36 to 40 metres high depending on the source. The upper part has three levels of curved eaves with green glazed tiles. Four arched tunnels run through the base, so traffic and pedestrians can pass underneath. It is described as the largest and best-preserved bell tower in China.

Why was it moved?

The first Ming tower stood near Yingxiang Temple, about one kilometre from where it is now, and faced the Drum Tower. Over two centuries the centre of the city slowly shifted east, so the tower seemed to be in the wrong place. In 1582 the Ming government moved it to the new city centre, where it stands today. The tower shows how the city grew over the centuries.

What about the bell?

Earlier bell towers had existed in the city since the Tang dynasty. The Tang-dynasty Jingyun Bell used to hang in this tower, but it was moved to the Stele Forest Museum in 1953. A replica was installed in the tower in 1997. The Drum Tower is nearby, only about 260 metres away, so visitors can see both. The Drum Tower and the Bell Tower face each other, and a square between them is a busy meeting place.