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 luxury homestay is nestled in the heart of the ancient city, facing the Ming Dynasty city wall, just steps away from the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Muslim Quarter, with shopping centers like SKP nearby. The homestay blends Tang and Ming Dynasty elements, offering well-equipped rooms, some with L'Occitane toiletries and imported bedding for a comfortable stay. Don’t miss the rooftop garden bar, where you can enjoy English afternoon tea while taking in the stunning wall views—a perfect oasis in the bustling city. Whether for business dining or friends gatherings, the classic Huaiyang cuisine and butler service will exceed your expectations.

Perfect for family vacations and business trips! Kids will love the water slides and children's pool, while parents relax in the hot spring or sauna. With childcare services, everyone gets a break. Located near Dayan Pagoda and Great Tang All Day Mall, it's ideal for exploring. Enjoy BBQ nights or unwind in stylish Euro-inspired rooms with 100Mbps WiFi. Practical perks like self-service laundry, gym, and 24-hour front desk make stays effortless. Airport transfers add convenience—whether for leisure or work, it’s a hassle-free choice!

This hotel is a serene oasis in the city! Designed with Wabi-Sabi aesthetics, it blends linen, wood, and hand-painted oil paintings to create a rugged yet refined beauty. The rooms feature imported latex mattresses and rainforest showers to instantly soothe your tired body. Plus, the IMAX projector offers a cinematic visual experience! Whether for business or leisure, the butler-style service and local breakfast will make you feel right at home. Conveniently located near the subway, it’s the perfect escape. Don’t miss out!

Looking for a peaceful escape in the bustling city? This is your perfect choice! Featuring natural hot spring water from 4,100 meters underground and a Spanish water purification system, it offers a premium soaking experience. The 36,000 sqm space includes a spa plaza, therapeutic baths, and hot spring rooms, along with saunas and a wide-screen cinema for all-in-one relaxation. Family-friendly amenities like a kids' playground and game room ensure fun for all. Close to the subway with free parking, it’s a hassle-free getaway. Come unwind and rejuvenate!

This hotel is a perfect choice for families and pet lovers! With a kids' club and playroom, your little ones will have endless fun. Business travelers will appreciate the executive lounge and meeting rooms. The location is super convenient, close to the subway, making it easy to get around. Relax in the hot spring or hit the fitness center to unwind. Whether you're on a family vacation or a business trip, this place has everything you need!
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.
See what other travelers say about Xi'an Drum Tower

Staying at Yuexinjv Homestay was an absolute delight! The place is brand new with modern amenities that make everything super convenient and comfortable. The room was spotless—every corner felt fresh and clean, including the bathroom, which made me feel very relaxed. I loved how quiet the surroundings were; it's peaceful and private, perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring Xi'an. Location-wise, it's unbeatable—just a short walk to Bell Tower and Yongningmen Metro Station, making it easy to get around the city. The staff went above and beyond—they were friendly, respectful of privacy, and always ready to help without being intrusive. Their professionalism and genuine care truly stood out. Honestly, the service quality exceeds what you'd expect at this price point. It’s rare to find such a great balance between comfort, cleanliness, convenience, and hospitality. I’d definitely come back and recommend this homestay to anyone visiting Xi'an.

We stayed at Mehood Hotel (Xi'an Dayan Pagoda Great Tang All Day Mall Branch) during the off-season with our kids, and it was a fantastic experience overall. From the moment we walked in, the front desk staff greeted us with warm welcome tea—during winter, they even offered a soothing pear and rock sugar drink to help with dryness. They also provided little kid-sized slippers, which my children loved. Room service was prompt, and everything arrived quickly. The breakfast buffet was delicious, but I have to say the fried eggs were absolutely outstanding—perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside, soft inside. The hotel has a free parking lot, which made exploring the city by car super convenient. We were disappointed we couldn’t get tickets to the Shaanxi History Museum—it’s notoriously hard to book—but the front desk staff immediately suggested some great alternative attractions that were perfect for families. Their recommendations were thoughtful and helpful. With its excellent location near the Tang Paradise area, friendly staff, and attention to detail, this hotel offers incredible value. Definitely a top pick if you're visiting Xi’an with kids.

Staying at IMS Hotel in Xi'an was an absolute delight. The service was outstanding from the moment we arrived—warm, attentive, and genuinely helpful. The room was immaculately clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable. I especially loved the built-in projector with access to streaming content, which made movie nights feel like a private cinema experience. The 24-hour convenience store is a game-changer—just scan the code in your room and snacks or essentials are delivered straight to your door. It’s so convenient, especially late at night. I upgraded to the Qingwu Wabi-Sabi room, and it was worth every penny. The ambiance is serene, minimalist, and beautifully designed. At just ¥66 extra, this upgrade was absolutely worth it. This hotel offers incredible value for money, and I’ll definitely be coming back.

This has become my go-to choice whenever I visit Xi'an — super convenient to get to, especially with the metro nearby. The value for money is outstanding, especially since the room rate includes tickets for two adults and one child. That’s a huge plus when traveling with family. The staff, particularly the front desk lady, were incredibly responsive and helpful — any question I had was resolved quickly and professionally. The only minor downside is that food delivery can’t be sent directly to your room; you have to pick it up on the first floor. But honestly, that’s a small trade-off considering how great everything else is. I’d definitely come back again.

Staying at Gentlemen International Hotel was a great experience overall. The room was spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of comfort and a nice sense of openness. Its location near Sajin Bridge Metro Station made getting around the city incredibly convenient—just a short walk to the station. I especially loved the outdoor breakfast setup; it had a relaxed vibe with fresh, delicious food—my highlight was the hot congee and freshly baked bread, which tasted fantastic. That said, I did have two small suggestions: the ¥100 deposit for the umbrella seems a bit high for such a small item, and it might be worth reconsidering. Also, no one at the front desk asked if I was driving, which is something I’d expect from a higher-end hotel—proactively offering parking information or assistance would make the stay even more seamless. These are minor points, but with a perfect 10/10 rating, this hotel is already very close to excellence. Just a few thoughtful touches could make it truly outstanding.

I stayed at Qianna Hotel and couldn’t be happier! The complimentary shuttle service to Xijing Hospital was a game-changer—especially for medical visits. Check-in was quick and smooth, with friendly staff making the whole process effortless. The second-floor piano lounge is stunning—elegant and spacious, giving off a luxurious vibe. My room was comfortable, well-appointed, and beautifully designed. I also loved the serene chess area, and there’s even a dedicated table tennis zone for kids—perfect for keeping little ones entertained. Free afternoon tea snacks and access to a laundry facility were thoughtful touches. Plus, free parking made arriving and leaving stress-free. Everything you’d need is within walking distance—shopping malls, restaurants, and more. The front desk team was incredibly patient and helpful throughout. This hotel offers an outstanding balance of comfort, convenience, and hospitality. I’ll definitely book here again!

Staying at Sunshine City Tsuen Wan Hotel (Xi'an Hi-tech Dadu Dian Shop) was an absolute delight from start to finish. The room was immaculately clean and meticulously organized—every detail screamed quality and care. From the crisp linens to the spotless bathroom, it felt like a fresh start every time I stepped in. The front desk staff went above and beyond with their warm, attentive service—always smiling, ready to help, and genuinely making you feel valued. Their thoughtfulness truly elevated the entire experience. Located right near Dadu Dian Shopping Mall, everything is within walking distance: great dining options, shopping, and easy access to public transit. It’s not just convenient—it’s a lifestyle. This hotel has quickly become my go-to choice whenever I visit Xi’an. If you’re looking for comfort, cleanliness, and genuine hospitality, this place delivers on all fronts. Highly recommend—will definitely be back.

Staying at Grand Soluxe International Hotel during my family trip to Xi'an was an absolutely flawless experience—so much so that I ended up extending my stay by two extra nights! Initially, I booked three nights because of the great value and unbeatable location near the train station and Wukou Metro Station. But once I arrived, the comfort, service, and convenience made me want to stay longer. The hotel is perfectly positioned—just a short walk from metro lines and bus stops, making it incredibly easy to explore key attractions like the City Wall, Big Goose Pagoda, and ancient Daming Palace. The room view? Stunning—direct sightlines to the historic city wall and train station, which added a special charm to our stay. Special shoutout to Mr. Wei Xinglong from the concierge team—he went above and beyond helping with luggage and package collection, always cheerful and efficient. The front desk staff, Xiao Hao and Xiao Liu, were warm, professional, and attentive. When we mentioned the room felt a bit warm on our first night, they immediately upgraded us to a larger suite at no extra cost—a truly unexpected and thoughtful gesture that made our trip even more memorable. Housekeeping was spotless, and the room had excellent natural light, giving it a bright, inviting feel. Even though the hotel has seen some years, the design and furnishings still exude quality and elegance, and the bedding was incredibly comfortable after long days of sightseeing. Every detail—from the thoughtful service to the cleanliness and location—showed real care for guest experience. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s a home away from home. I’ll definitely be returning next time I visit Xi'an and will recommend it without hesitation to everyone I know.

Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight—clean, cozy, and full of charm. The room and lobby were spotless with a beautiful blend of traditional Chinese art and modern comfort, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Staff went above and beyond with their friendly, attentive service—genuine hospitality that made me feel at home. Based on my years of business travel, this place easily matches the quality of a solid four-star hotel, yet the price is incredibly reasonable. That’s the real win here: top-tier comfort without the premium price tag. It’s perfectly located near the metro station, right in the heart of the city, so getting around is super easy. And the food scene? Amazing—just a 300-meter walk to Cha Hua Nong, and there’s a whole street packed with local snacks and eateries nearby. Whether you’re here for work or leisure, this hotel delivers everything you’d want in a great urban stay.

Staying at Campanile Hotel (Xi'an Bell Tower) was an absolute delight. The room was spacious, clean, and well-maintained—definitely exceeded my expectations. Located just steps away from the iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the heart of Xi’an. I loved how quiet the street was while still being just a short walk from the bustling Muslim Quarter, where food options are endless and local flavors truly shine. The front desk staff were incredibly helpful—after check-in, they handed me a personalized guide that led me to a fantastic local barbecue spot (highly recommend!) and even helped me pick up some authentic souvenirs. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully curated. It’s not just a place to sleep—it’s a gateway to experiencing Xi’an like a local. Would book again in a heartbeat.

My stay at Hilton Xi'an was absolutely exceptional from the very first moment. Upon check-in, the hotel manager personally upgraded my room and even had an air humidifier ready before I arrived—huge relief for me with respiratory issues, instantly making the space much more comfortable. The room itself was spacious, immaculate, and the bed was incredibly cozy. I loved using the well-maintained fitness center, indoor pool, and sauna facilities—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. On checkout, Ada Yang kindly handed me a thoughtful little gift, a lovely keepsake that made me remember this city fondly. The staff were consistently polite, attentive, and genuinely caring—service excellence at its finest. And let’s not forget the neighborhood: right outside the hotel, there’s a vibrant local food scene with authentic street eats around every corner. If you’re visiting Xi’an, this is definitely where I’d come back to again. A top-tier experience in every way.

Staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an was an absolute delight from start to finish. I was happily assigned a quiet room that made for a peaceful and restful stay—perfect after long days exploring the city. The breakfast spread was incredible: endless options, fresh ingredients, and delicious flavors. I especially loved the local specialties—they brought a real taste of Xi'an to the table. My personal concierge, Bruce, went above and beyond with his warm, thoughtful service. He greeted me with a little welcome gift and was always just a call away whenever I needed help—quick, professional, and genuinely caring. This level of attention to detail makes all the difference. I’d absolutely return in a heartbeat and highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Xi'an.
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