IHG Group Hotels Near Drum Tower

Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel is ideal, located directly opposite the Drum Tower Square, just a 2-minute walk away. Rooms blend Tang Dynasty aesthetics with modern comfort, and some offer panoramic views of the Drum Tower at night. Nearby access to Muslim Quarter Street Food makes it perfect for exploring authentic Shaanxi cuisine and experiencing local culture firsthand.

Extremely convenient. The Drum Tower Metro Station (Line 2) connects directly to the square—exit the station and you're steps from your hotel. Major attractions like Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are within 10 minutes by car or bus. With dense metro and tourist shuttle networks, both locals and tourists enjoy seamless travel throughout the city.

Don’t miss the nightly Drum Tower Drumming Performance at 8 PM, featuring heritage artists showcasing ancient military rituals and traditional percussion. Stroll down Nan Da Jie to the Muslim Quarter, where you can savor authentic dishes like roujiamo, liangpi, and yangrou paomo, immersing yourself in Xi’an’s vibrant street life and culinary heritage.

The top viewpoint is the rooftop terrace of Changan Building on the east side of Drum Tower Square, offering an unobstructed view of the illuminated Drum Tower and Bell Tower complex. For a grander perspective, visit the Xi’an City Wall (just 500 meters away), where elevated vantage points capture the historic towers framed against the modern skyline—perfect for cinematic shots.

Yes! Visit the Xi’an Museum (only 600 meters away), which features a dedicated children’s interactive zone using VR to recreate Tang Dynasty daily life. You can also join hands-on workshops in the Muslim Quarter, such as making liangpi or sugar paintings, allowing kids to engage with traditional crafts in a safe, walkable environment.

Yes! Tang Feng Ya Ju is a boutique guesthouse tucked in a Ming Dynasty alley near the Drum Tower. Featuring Tang Dynasty architecture, courtyard tea rooms, and live guqin music. Guests enjoy complimentary Hanfu dressing sessions daily and receive a curated guidebook revealing hidden historical stories and off-the-beaten-path sites—ideal for immersive cultural exploration.

Xi'an Westin Hotel is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from the Drum Tower. Its rooms blend modern comfort with traditional Chinese design, offering views of the historic Drum Tower's roofline and surrounding old-town streets. The hotel’s rooftop bar provides panoramic night views of Muslim Quarter lights and the illuminated Bell Tower, making it an ideal spot to experience the vibrant cultural fusion of ancient Xi’an’s heritage and contemporary life.

Walk south along Xidajie Street for about 10 minutes from the Drum Tower to arrive at the famed Muslim Quarter. This bustling food street hosts over 200 stalls and heritage restaurants serving authentic local delicacies like lamb soup, cold noodles, and roujiamo. Visit in the evening to enjoy the lively atmosphere and stunning nighttime illumination of both the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, creating a breathtaking symmetrical cityscape that captures the soul of old Xi’an.

Start your day at the Drum Tower, climbing its observation deck to view the entire Xi’an City Wall and urban layout. Then head to the Bell Tower (just 300 meters away) to learn about ancient timekeeping systems. Enjoy lunch at the Muslim Quarter, then rent bicycles to cycle around the City Wall or visit the Shaanxi History Museum (a 3-stop metro ride). Return to the Drum Tower in the evening to witness the dazzling night light show, immersing yourself in the timeless charm of this ancient capital.

The Drum Tower itself is a prime photo subject, with its double-eaved hip-and-gable roof and red columns reflecting Tang Dynasty architecture. Capture the symmetrical silhouette of the Drum and Bell Towers during golden hour. The ancient gateways and traditional arches along Xidajie Street, plus the lantern-lit alleys of the Muslim Quarter, offer rich cultural backdrops. For a panoramic shot, visit the rooftop terrace of the Westin Hotel, where you can frame the Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, and distant Big Wild Goose Pagoda in one dramatic composition.

While primarily a historical area, the Muslim Quarter features intangible cultural heritage workshops where kids can try hands-on crafts like paper-cutting, clay modeling, and embroidered shoes. The nearby Xi’an Museum offers interactive exhibition halls designed for children, teaching Qin and Han history through games and storytelling. Older children may also enjoy riding electric child bikes along the City Wall, allowing families to explore the ancient city together in a fun, educational way.

The Drum Tower lights up daily from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, bathed in warm golden hues that highlight its architectural details. Best viewpoints include Xidajie Square for a front-facing shot, and South Gate Plaza (near the Bell Tower) to capture both towers in symmetrical harmony. For a high-angle perspective, visit the Westin Hotel’s rooftop lounge or bar, where you can photograph the entire illuminated historic core of Xi’an, including the drum tower, bell tower, Muslim Quarter, and distant Big Wild Goose Pagoda under a starry sky.