Step onto the Fenghuo Tower, and you can almost hear the ancient war drums echoing through time! This thousand-year-old fortress once stood as the last line of defense guarding Chang'an. Climb to the top and gaze across Xi'an—the wind carries whispers of history, and every stone tells a tale. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a conversation with the past.


Everything you need to know about Beacon Tower
Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel is highly recommended for its authentic Tang Dynasty architectural style and prime location just 1.5 km from the Beacon Tower. The hotel offers rooms with traditional Chinese décor, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. Its central position makes it ideal for exploring nearby attractions like the Muslim Quarter and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Guests can enjoy an evening walk to the Beacon Tower at sunset, witnessing the ancient site bathed in golden light—a perfect moment to reflect on over 2,000 years of history.
Transportation convenience is exceptional: the hotel is within walking distance of Metro Line 2 (Bell Tower Station), and buses 306 and 705 provide direct access to major sites. This makes it a top choice for cultural travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity.
Stay at Xi'an International Conference Center Hotel, located just 2 km from the Beacon Tower with complimentary shuttle service. The hotel blends Qin-Han architectural elements with modern amenities, including smart voice-controlled rooms and local tea sets. Start your day early by heading to the Beacon Tower, then continue to the adjacent City Wall of Xi'an for a scenic bike ride along the ancient ramparts—perfect for capturing panoramic views of the city.
The hotel’s concierge offers guided tours to the Beacon Tower site, where expert narrators explain the ancient signal system. This seamless integration of accommodation and cultural immersion ensures maximum efficiency and enriching experiences for history enthusiasts.
Join the weekly "Night Exploration at the Beacon Tower" event hosted by Xi'an's Culture & Tourism Bureau every Friday and Saturday evening. Participants dress in Han Dynasty-style robes and take part in a simulated fire-signaling ceremony, hear expert lectures on ancient communication systems, and watch short performances from the play Chang'an Twelve Hours. Nearby Daxi'an Not-So-Sleepy City features immersive light shows that recreate the grandeur of Tang Dynasty life—ideal for photography.
For deeper engagement, sign up for the "Ancient Craft Workshop" to try making clay figurines or practicing calligraphy rubbings. These activities are grounded in real historical context, allowing visitors not just to observe history but to actively participate in it—making the journey unforgettable.
The Beacon Tower lies in the western part of Xi'an’s ancient city, offering excellent connectivity. Take Metro Line 4 (Fengxi Station) to Daqian Ta Station in just 18 minutes, or hop on bus lines 306 and 705 via Zhonglou, taking about 25 minutes. For a more leisurely option, rent a shared bicycle along the Hucheng River Greenway, enjoying views of the Ming-era city wall and Lianhu Park—reaching Big Wild Goose Pagoda in roughly 30 minutes.
Pro tip: Use the Xi’an Citizen Card or WeChat Pay for seamless public transit payments across multiple modes, saving time and enhancing travel efficiency.
Choose Hilton Xi'an Qujiang—a family-oriented hotel located about 6 km from the Beacon Tower, featuring a dedicated children’s entertainment center and indoor pool. Rooms come equipped with child-safe corners and complimentary baby care kits. The hotel hosts regular "Little Archaeologist" programs where kids dig for replica artifacts and learn about ancient civilizations.
Adjacent to the hotel is Daming Palace National Heritage Park, where families can enjoy night lantern festivals, lion dances, and hands-on intangible cultural heritage workshops. Free shuttle buses run daily between the hotel and key landmarks like the Beacon Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, making it a stress-free choice for parents traveling with children.
Yes, the Beacon Tower Site Management Office offers bilingual guided tours (Chinese & English) daily at 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Guides are trained historians who detail the ancient signaling system, wartime protocols, and military layout during the Qin and Han dynasties. Highlights include climbing the remaining beacon tower platform for a panoramic view of old Xi'an, experiencing live demonstrations of the "five-mile one beacon, ten-mile one signal" transmission method, and observing a reconstructed smoke signal apparatus.
Upon completion, guests receive a limited-edition "Beacon Signal Map" postcard, featuring actual distances and transmission times—ideal for collectors and educators alike. Reserve slots in advance via the official mini-program to avoid queues.
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