Xi'an
Drum Tower (鼓楼)
The twin of the Bell Tower, two minutes west. Where the Bell Tower marked the start of the day, the Drum Tower marked its end. It's smaller, calmer, and opens directly onto the Muslim Quarter — making it the perfect stop before dinner.
First-time visitor essentials — the 4 worries, solved
Visa: Standard China entry. Bring your passport if you bought a ticket online; otherwise just buy at the gate.
Money: ~¥30, or a Bell + Drum Tower combo ~¥50. Mobile pay is fastest; cash accepted at the counter.
Internet: QR tickets need data. The tower itself has no useful Wi-Fi.
Hotels: Staying near Bell Tower/Drum Tower puts you at the center of the action and within walking distance of both towers, the wall and the Muslim Quarter.
Before you go
- Location: West end of the Bell Tower intersection, at the entrance to the Muslim Quarter. Metro: Zhonglou Station (Lines 2 & 6) then walk 2 minutes west.
- Opening hours: roughly 8:30–21:30 in summer, 8:30–18:00 in winter.
- Ticket: ~¥30, or ~¥50 combined with Bell Tower. The combo is worth it if you plan to visit both.
- Drum performance: Short performances several times a day. Times are posted at the entrance; the 17:00-ish show is popular.
- Best time: late afternoon, then step straight into the Muslim Quarter for dinner.
Inside the tower
- The drums: A large collection of drums on display, including the giant main drum used for the daily performance.
- View: Smaller balconies than the Bell Tower, but you look directly down into the Muslim Quarter's main street.
- Qing-dynasty furniture: Some rooms hold furniture and art exhibits that round out the visit.
Practical notes
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Language | Bilingual signage. Ticket staff speak basic English. |
| Maps | Search for "Xi'an Drum Tower (西安鼓楼)" in Amap/Baidu. |
| Payment | Mobile pay preferred; cash accepted. |
| Toilets | Available near the Muslim Quarter entrance. |
| Crowds | Busy in the evening but less packed than Bell Tower. |
| Etiquette | Don't touch the drums; flash off for exhibits. |
After you leave
- Muslim Quarter: You're already there. Walk through the archway into Beiyuanmen Street (北院门) for skewers, bread and noodles.
- Sajinqiao (洒金桥): For less touristy food, walk 10 minutes northwest to Sajinqiao Street.
- Photos: The Drum Tower is beautifully lit at night and easier to photograph than the Bell Tower because the street in front is narrower.
- Complaints: 12345.
Pre-trip prep
- Combo ticket: Buy Bell + Drum Tower together and do both in one evening.
- Pair it with: Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter.
Quick facts
Ticket~¥30
Combo~¥50 with Bell Tower
Best timeLate afternoon
Next stopMuslim Quarter