description Xi'an Bell Tower Overview
The Bell Tower of Xi'an is a Ming dynasty structure built in 1384 and later relocated to the center of the walled city's main crossroads. Raised on a substantial brick base, the timber tower has multiple tiers of roofs with upturned eaves and historically housed a bell used to mark time. It remains a prominent urban landmark and an example of traditional Chinese wooden architecture within the historic center of Xi'an.
insights Ranking position
Xi'an Bell Tower ranks #14 of 102 in the Clock Tower ranking, behind Gros-Horloge (Rouen), ahead of Ferry Building Clock Tower (San Francisco).
help Xi'an Bell Tower FAQ
Why was the Xi'an Bell Tower moved after it was built?
The tower was erected in 1384, but Xi'an's commercial center shifted as the city developed. In 1582, authorities relocated the timber structure to the major crossroads where it stands today.
What was the Bell Tower used for during the Ming dynasty?
Its bell helped mark time and could serve as an alarm for the city. The nearby Drum Tower performed a related civic function, creating the traditional pairing of bell and drum signals.
Is the large bell inside Xi'an's Bell Tower the original Jingyun Bell?
The famous Tang dynasty Jingyun Bell associated with the tower is preserved at the nearby Xi'an Beilin Museum. The bell displayed for sounding at the tower is a modern replica.
How do visitors enter a tower surrounded by a traffic roundabout?
Pedestrian passages beneath the central crossroads provide access without crossing the surface traffic lanes. The elevated galleries then offer views along the four main streets of Xi'an's walled center.
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