The Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the city of Xi'an date back to the
Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Four streets radiate from the Bell Tower,
extending to the north, south, west and east. The Drum Tower is at
a short distance, to the northwest of the Bell Tower. Each Ming city
had a bell tower and a drum tower. The bell was sounded at dawn and
the drum at dusk.
Bell Tower
The
Bell Tower in Xi'an is situated in the very heart of the city and
at the junction of four main roads. The original city Bell Tower was
situated to the west of this site and the present construction was
built in 1582 and restored in 1739. More
Information...
Drum
Tower
To
the west of the Bell Tower is the Drum Tower which was built in 1380.
the Drum Tower also has a triple-eaved, two-storey wooden structure
high off its rectangular brick platform. It is altogether 33 meters
high, 52.6 meters wide, covering more than 1970 square meters. Parapets
on each tier surround the center and The elegance and grandeur outer
eaves decorated with wooden arches reveals much of the superb architectural
artifice. This tower marks the entrance to the city's Muslim Quarter
which is a lovely area to wander and observe.
There used to be a huge drum in the tower which told the time at dusk;
hence, the name Drum Tower. The bell in the Bell Tower and the drum
in the Drum Tower, have been referred to as "the Morning Bell"
and "the Dusk Drum".
The Drum Tower is a very strong and solid building. It has withstood
more than ten earthquakes for over 500 years and there is not a single
crack appearing on it.
The Drum Tower is now a historic monument in Shaanxi Province. After
two large-scale renovations, the tower has been restored to its former
beauty.
Xian Tour Routes Covers Bell & Drum Tower
XD-2. Xian One Day City Tour
XH-7. 6 Days Xian Complete Tour
XK-7. Xian 6 Days Complete Tour
Photo of Bell and Drum Tower
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