Bell Tower of Xi’an
Address
Bei Lin Qu, Xi'An, Shaanxi,
GPS
34.2649128, 108.96879164377
Marking the geographic center of the ancient capital Xian and lasting for more than 600 years, Bell Tower of Xi’an is the iconic building used to announce the time. Today it is a museum with cultural relics and traditional artworks, as well as amazing daytime performances and stunning night scenery.
Quick facts
- Name: Bell Tower of Xi’an
- Location: Xi’an, China
- Type of attraction: Architectural/Tower
- Built: 1384
- Ticket price: From $5
Built in 1384 during the early Ming Dynasty, it is a symbol of Xi’an city, and one of China’s greatest of its kind. Also, the Bell Tower contains several large Tang Dynasty bronze-cast bells. The base of the Tower is square, covering an area of 1,377 m2.
The tower is a construction of brick and timber, and nearly 40 m high. It is located in the heart of Xi’an, at the intersection of the east, west, south and north four streets. It is one of the many bell towers left over from ancient China, but the largest and most preserved.
However, it only has two stories and three layers of eaves. Inside, a spiral staircase leads to the second floor. Colorful and dramatic Ming-style architecture comes to life in the tower, which is built of grey bricks on a square base with dark green glazed tiles on the eaves, gold plating on the roof, and gilded color painting.
The three layers of eaves, in addition to enhancing the aesthetics of the structure, also help to reduce the impact of rain on the structure.
On the second floor, a plaque in the west wall commemorates the tower’s relocation in 1582, according to the plaque. When it was first constructed in 1384, it stood near the Drum Tower of Xi’an on the city’s central axis, and it has served as a symbol of the city’s center ever since, including the Tang Dynasty, the Five Dynasties, the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and the Qing and Ming periods.
The geographical center of the city, on the other hand, shifted as the city grew. As a result, the tower was relocated 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) east of its original location in 1582. Except for the base, all of the parts are original, and history tells us that the relocation was completed quickly and at a low cost, making it a truly remarkable achievement in Chinese architectural history.
Originally, the Jingyun Bell, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty, was housed in the northwest corner of the tower. According to legend, the Jingyun Bell went silent during the Ming Dynasty despite the fact that nothing had happened here, and the current bell, which is much smaller and weighs only 5 tons, was cast to replace it. The original can now be seen in Stele Forest, where it was discovered.
The engravings on the doors are a reflection of the decorative style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and they tell stories from ancient China that are popular today.
The arched doors are 6 meters (20 feet) high on each side of the base, and they are on each side of the base. Previously, vehicles were permitted to pass through the arches, but as the city has grown, the volume of traffic has become too great, and a bright, spacious pedestrian subway has been built beneath the tower to accommodate the increased volume of people. This subway station serves as the entrance to the tower.
A grassy and flower-filled area surrounds the tower, which is surrounded by a fence. A harmonious contrast is created in early spring by the delicate plum blossoms and fresh green grass that surrounds them. Modern shopping malls and a brightly decorated square, both within walking distance of the tower, demonstrate the city’s prosperity. When the sun sets, lanterns hung from the eaves illuminate the tower, enhancing its allure even further.
Interesting facts about Bell Tower of Xi’an
Here are some interesting facts about this amazing landmark:
- During the 16th century the structure was moved by over 1000 meters to be situated in the ‘new’ city center.
- The bell served as a warning signal during the war times.
- The Xi’an Bell Tower is the most complete building of the Ming Dynasty period which still stands today and it is rightfully regarded as the “bright pearl of the ancient city.
