Drum Tower鼓楼
Xi'an Drum Tower stands on West Street in the heart of the city, facing the Bell Tower 200 m to its east. Built in 1380 (Ming Hongwu 13), four years before the Bell Tower, it once kept time for the city; only fragments of the great original drum survive, themselves Ming relics.
Xi'an · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Drum Tower worth visiting?
A Ming-dynasty landmark facing the Bell Tower across the old city; tower admission CNY 30, drum show CNY 10, combo with the Bell Tower CNY 50. A must-visit.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Tower admission CNY 30; Bell Tower + Drum Tower combo CNY 50 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:30-20:30 (until 21:00 in summer); last entry 20:00 |
| Recommended duration | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Best time to visit | Year-round. Drum performances at 10:00, 15:00 and 17:00 |
| How to get there | Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou Station Exit B, then about a 10-minute walk; buses 4, 7, 8, 11 and 15 to Zhonglou |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Built | Ming Hongwu 13 (1380) |
| Height | 9.7 m |
| Structure | Brick and timber |
| Area | 1,804 sq m |
| Original drum | 2.83 m in diameter, a Ming relic |
| Protection | National key cultural relic site |
What to expect
Xi'an Drum Tower stands on West Street at the center of the old city, built in 1380 (Hongwu 13) — four years before the Bell Tower. A brick-and-timber structure 9.7 m tall on a square masonry base, it carries a two-story pavilion with a hip-and-gable roof in grey tiles, close to the Bell Tower's style yet more rustic.
The tower takes its name from a great drum, the dingeng drum, once beaten to mark the night watches. Records give its face as 2.83 m across and a good foot thick — a Ming relic of which only fragments remain. The ground floor now displays a replica, along with exhibits on the tower's history.
Drum performances are staged daily at 10:00, 15:00 and 17:00, each about 10 minutes. Directly north the Huifang food quarter begins — after the tower you can walk straight into Muslim Street for dinner. A combo ticket with the Bell Tower makes the pairing easy.
How to get there
Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou Station Exit B, then about a 10-minute walk west along West Street. Buses 4, 7, 8, 11 and 15 stop at Zhonglou or Gulou (Drum Tower).
Best photo spots
- Head-on panorama of the tower
- The drum performance (shoot during the show)
- The tower framed with the Muslim Street archway
- The view from the top (the City Wall shows on clear days)
Tips
- The drum performances are free to watch, about 10 minutes each
- Buy the Bell Tower combo ticket — it saves CNY 10
- From the tower you can walk straight into the Huifang food quarter
Scams to avoid
- No major scam risks; the site is well managed
Frequently asked questions
Which is better to climb, the Bell Tower or the Drum Tower?
They are similar in style, so either works — the Bell Tower is more central, the Drum Tower connects directly to the Muslim Quarter. The combo ticket covers both; climb both.
Where are the drum performances?
On the platform at the tower's main entrance, three shows a day (10:00/15:00/17:00), free to watch.
Is it open in the evening?
Yes, generally until 20:30 (21:00 in summer); come at dusk for the night views.
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