Drum Tower
Why visit here?
The Drum Tower of Xi'an stands imposingly in the heart of the ancient capital, opposite its twin sister, the Bell Tower. Built in 1380 during the Ming dynasty, this wooden and brick fortress has set the pace of life in the city for six centuries.
Its eight-meter-high stone base supports the two-story main building with multiple eaves roofs, typical of imperial architecture. A large wooden staircase leads to the upper hall, where 24 huge leather drums await in a semicircle, each dedicated to one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese agricultural calendar.
The largest drum, with a 2.8-meter-diameter head, presides over the room. Every evening, the drumbeat marked the closing of the city gates, while the bell announced the dawn. Today, a daily exhibition revives this ritual, making the centuries-old wood vibrate.
From the upper terrace, the view takes in the Bell Tower to the east, the gray roofs of the old town, and, in the background, the walls that still surround Xi'an. In the lower courtyards, silent passageways echo with the footsteps that for six hundred years responded to the call of the drum.
Pros & Cons
- Iconic landmark at the absolute center of ancient Xi‘an
- Massive Ming dynasty drum collection on display
- Daily drum performances bring history to life
- View of Xi'an's urban time capsule from the top
- Requires climbing a steep, narrow staircase – not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers
- Evening lighting is stunning, but the tower closes before dark in winter – the tower illuminates beautifully at night, but in winter (Nov–Mar) it closes at 5:30 PM, well before sunset. Visit in spring/summer to enjoy both daylight views and the lit tower afterward.
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Drum Tower
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