The Drum Tower of Xi'an is located in the heart of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, and is one of the iconic Ming Dynasty architectural masterpieces. Built in 1380, it stands in harmony with the Bell Tower, forming a significant landmark of the city. Historically, the Drum Tower served as a vital site for timekeeping and signal transmission, with its massive drum embodying the tradition of "morning bell and evening drum." The tower showcases exquisite wooden craftsmanship and painted decorations, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Xi'an. Visitors can explore its historical charm while also enjoying nearby attractions like the Muslim Quarter, where they can savor local delicacies and immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural atmosphere.

This hotel boasts a prime location—just a 5-minute walk to the subway station with free parking, making it easy to explore the Shaanxi History Museum and shopping districts. The elegant modern design is complemented by family-friendly amenities and a fitness center, perfect for both leisure and business. Enjoy a peaceful sleep with soundproof rooms and luxurious bedding. The attentive front desk, laundry services, and multi-function meeting rooms ensure a seamless stay. Whether for travel or work, it’s your perfect urban retreat!
Everything you need to know about Xi'an Drum Tower
Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel is highly recommended, located just 150 meters from the Drum Tower, offering easy access to the historic site. The hotel blends Tang Dynasty architecture with modern comfort, featuring rooms with panoramic views of the Drum Tower at night. It includes a traditional Chinese restaurant serving authentic dishes like Lamb Paomo, and provides complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Its central location near the City Wall makes it ideal for exploring ancient landmarks and enjoying local culture.
Hyatt Regency Xi'an stands out for its proximity and convenience, just 300 meters from the Drum Tower, with a direct underground passage connecting to the plaza—perfect for rainy days. The hotel features a rooftop pool, fitness center, and international dining options. It also offers a special Drum Tower Night View Tour, guiding guests through different vantage points to appreciate the tower’s architectural beauty and surrounding light shows, enriching the experience with deep Silk Road cultural insights.
Near the Drum Tower, visitors should not miss the daily intangible cultural heritage percussion performance, featuring live ba gu drumming and Qin Opera rhythms. Stroll through Muslim Street at night to try making your own Roujiamo or enjoy street food like Liangpi and Zengao. Rent a Hanfu costume and take photos in front of the Drum Tower, especially during the city wall light show, creating stunning historical-themed memories. These activities offer immersive insight into Xi'an's identity as the capital of thirteen dynasties.
The easiest way is to take Line 3 of the Metro, heading to Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station, which takes only 25 minutes and offers scenic views of the moat and South Gate. Alternatively, rent an electric shared bike along the main east-west avenue, passing by Xiaodongmen and Andingmen, to enjoy the grandeur of the ancient city wall. Visit in the evening to witness the world’s largest fountain show at the North Square and explore the vibrant Tang Paradise district for creative Tang-style snacks and entertainment.
Grand Hyatt Xi'an is perfect for families, located adjacent to Drum Tower Square with spacious family suites and a dedicated children’s playroom offering free cribs and kid-friendly meals. The hotel features a sky garden and outdoor water feature where kids can safely play. It also provides a Family Ancient City Adventure Package, including guided Drum Tower tours, Hanfu dressing, and hands-on craft workshops, turning learning into fun. With a mall and multi-cuisine restaurants on-site, it caters to all ages, making it a stress-free choice for family travelers.
Nightlife around the Drum Tower is vibrant: head to Muslim Street after dark for glowing stalls serving Liangpi, Zengao, and spicy oil-pulled chili. Every evening at 7 PM, the Drum Tower Square hosts an interactive light projection show depicting Tang Dynasty scenes and Silk Road tales. For relaxation, visit open-air bars in Yongxingfang, sip Qin wine, and listen to live storytellers recounting Shaanxi legends. Some cafés even host Tang Poetry Nights with guqin music and tea ceremonies, blending history with modern ambiance.
Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel is highly recommended for its prime location just 300 meters from the Drum Tower, offering rooms with panoramic views of the historic structure. The hotel blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern comforts and features a rooftop terrace ideal for sunset photography. Nearby, Wanda Reign Hotel provides luxury accommodations with direct access to the metro system, ensuring easy travel to major attractions like the Terracotta Warriors and Shaanxi History Museum. Both properties offer free Wi-Fi and multilingual staff, enhancing guest experience.
For optimal sightseeing, request an east-facing room to enjoy the morning light on the Drum Tower’s silhouette—an ideal shot for history and architecture enthusiasts.
The Xi'an Metro Line 2 stops directly at Bell Tower Station, placing visitors within a 5-minute walk of the Drum Tower. This seamless connectivity allows quick access to other key sites such as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall. Additionally, several bus lines—including routes 26, 407, and 600—serve the area, linking the Drum Tower to nearby cultural hubs like the Muslim Quarter and Shaanxi Provincial Museum.
For those exploring on foot or by bike, the surrounding streets are pedestrian-friendly, and many hotels offer free bicycle rentals. During peak seasons, HopeGoo in advance is strongly advised due to high demand in this central district.
Near the Drum Tower, visitors can enjoy authentic shadow puppet performances at the Xi'an Shadow Puppet Theatre, held nightly in the Muslim Quarter and showcasing traditional stories accompanied by folk music. Another highlight is the intangible heritage workshop, where guests can craft their own paper-cut art or clay figurines under expert guidance. For music lovers, Tang Dynasty classical music concerts are occasionally hosted in courtyard settings, offering an immersive experience of ancient court melodies.
These activities are concentrated along the cultural corridor near the Drum Tower Square. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during festivals, and some workshops may include a small fee but provide rich cultural insight.
The top viewing spot is the south viewing platform of Drum Tower Square, which offers an unobstructed view of the illuminated Drum Tower, especially during weekend light shows when LED projections animate its façade. Another hidden gem is the rooftop terrace of a café on Xidajie Street, located above ground level, providing a stunning elevated perspective of both the Drum Tower and Bell Tower silhouetted against the city lights.
Arrive by 6 PM to avoid crowds and use a tripod for long-exposure night photography. Note that large equipment is prohibited inside the square; follow site rules to ensure safety and preserve the experience for all visitors.
Start your day at 9:00 AM with a visit to the Drum Tower, exploring its historical significance as a timekeeping center. Then walk 5 minutes to the Bell Tower to admire its intricate wooden structure and bronze rooster atop the roof. Head to the Muslim Quarter for lunch, sampling local delicacies like lamb soup buns and cold noodles.
At 1:00 PM, take the metro to the Shaanxi History Museum for a deeper dive into Zhou, Han, and Tang dynasty civilizations. Return to Drum Tower Square by evening to catch the sunset over the city wall. End your day with a visit to Tang Paradise Night Entertainment District, where you can enjoy a dazzling light show and live performances.
This itinerary combines walking, metro rides, and cultural immersion—total distance under 8 km—perfect for a relaxed yet enriching day trip.
The dragon pillar sculptures on the east side of Drum Tower Square are iconic photo backdrops, especially for hanfu or traditional costume shoots. Another must-visit is the Ming Dynasty city wall mural on North Gate Lane, featuring hand-laid brick patterns depicting ancient military formations—ideal for historical-themed photography.
For creative compositions, explore the cultural market on Xidajie Street, where red-roofed alleys and lantern-lit corridors create a vivid Tang Dynasty atmosphere. The second-floor balcony of the Drum Tower itself also offers a perfect vantage point for capturing symmetry and movement within the bustling square.
Visit early morning or late afternoon to minimize crowds. Use a wide-angle lens to emphasize architectural details and storytelling elements in your shots.
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