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Xi'an Bell Tower

An iconic Ming Dynasty tower at the exact geographic center of Xi'an

Xi'an Bell Tower Guide

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Xi'an Bell Tower Overview

A comprehensive guide to the Xi'an Bell Tower, the iconic landmark at the heart of the city.

The Xi'an Bell Tower (西安钟楼) was built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty and stands at the exact geographic center of Xi'an's old city. Originally used to strike the hour and warn of danger, the tower is one of the largest and best-preserved bell towers in China. Its strategic location at the intersection of the city's four main streets makes it the symbolic heart of Xi'an.

The tower stands 36 meters tall and is built on a massive brick base with a beautifully decorated wooden upper structure featuring traditional Chinese architecture with upturned eaves and colorful paintings. Inside, the tower houses cultural relics including ancient bells, clocks, and exhibits about Xi'an's history. The tower is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a popular photography spot.

36m

Height

1384

Year Built

Main Streets Converge

Central Xi'an

8:30 - 21:30

CNY 50

Evening for night illumination

Best Photo Spots

① Kaiyuan Mall Rooftop Observatory: The most classic Bell Tower shot — from the 5th-floor terrace of Kaiyuan Mall (free entry). This is the spot for the iconic "cyberpunk Bell Tower" frame: the ancient tower ringed by light trails of circular traffic. Visit after sunset for the best night view; use 2× zoom to compress the building and traffic together.
② Yongning Gate City Wall — Central Axis: Shoot northward along the south-north axis from atop the Yongning Gate (South Gate) city wall. The Bell Tower aligns perfectly on the central axis, framed by the old street — a powerful composition of ancient order and symmetry.
③ Yongning Gate City Wall — East Side: Position yourself on the eastern section of the city wall near the gate tower, using the crenellations and corner tower as foreground. The Bell Tower sits in the distance, creating a layered shot that tells a story across dynasties.
④ Yongning Gate City Wall — West Side: The western section offers a different angle — shoot with the warm glow of sunset behind you, silhouetting the city wall's crenellations against the Bell Tower in the distance.
⑤ Yongning Gate Archway: Stand inside the arched gate tunnel of the South Gate and shoot outward toward the Bell Tower. The massive stone frame of the gate creates a natural picture frame, and sunlight streaming through the tunnel produces dramatic light-and-shadow effects.