How much is the Bell Tower?

The Bell Tower is about $4.20, and the combo with the Drum Tower is about $7. Verify the live price on site.

Can you go inside the Bell Tower?

Yes, you can climb the tower for views over the four main avenues and the old walled city from its centre.

When is the Bell Tower best to visit?

At dusk or night, when it is lit and the surrounding avenues glow. The interior is small, so 45 minutes is enough.

How do I get to the Bell Tower?

It is at the exact centre of the walled city. Take metro Line 2 to the Bell Tower station, which exits right by it.

Is the Bell Tower worth it?

Yes, for the central views and the photo. Pair it with the Drum Tower next door using the combo ticket.

Bell Tower Xi'an 2026: Tickets, Views & How to Visit

The Bell Tower is the Ming landmark at the centre of Xi'an. Learn the $4.20 ticket, the combo deal and the best time to climb in 2026.

The illuminated Bell Tower of Xi'an at night — Photo: kenny-foo · Pexels License · source page · author

The Bell Tower is the Ming landmark at the exact centre of Xi’an’s walled city. It once rang the hour across the capital and now looks down the four main avenues. You can climb it for a rare view from the middle of the old town.

Intro: why go

Built in 1384 and moved to its present spot, the tower is the symbolic heart of Xi’an. It is most beautiful lit at night, when the wooden eaves glow above the traffic circle. For foreign visitors it is the easiest landmark to orient by.

Tickets & booking

The Bell Tower is about $4.20, and the combo with the Drum Tower is about $7. Buy at the desk or the official channel and verify the live price on site. No reservation is needed.

How to get there & in-site route

Metro: Line 2 to Bell Tower station, which exits steps from the tower base.
The route that works: climb to the upper deck for the avenue views, see the Ming bell, then walk west to the Drum Tower on the combo ticket.
On foot: the core is flat; the two towers are a 5-minute walk apart.
The interior is compact; ramps and lifts reach the upper level.

Facilities

Toilets and a small shop are at the base. The area is busy, so watch your bag. Card and Alipay both work; keep some cash for nearby stalls.

Best season & seasonal pros and cons

Spring (Apr–May) & autumn (Sep–Oct): mild evenings for the lit tower.
Summer (Jun–Aug): hot by day; visit at night when it is cool.
Winter (Dec–Feb): cold but the tower lights up the dark square.
Holidays: the central circle gets busy; the tower itself stays calm inside.

Tips & scams

Use the combo ticket if you plan both towers; it saves money.
Buy only at the official desk; touts near the base sell nothing real.
The tower is small, so don’t expect a long visit; 45 minutes is plenty.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Bell Tower?: The Bell Tower is about $4.20, and the combo with the Drum Tower is about $7. Verify the live price on site.
Can you go inside the Bell Tower?: Yes, you can climb the tower for views over the four main avenues and the old walled city from its centre.
When is the Bell Tower best to visit?: At dusk or night, when it is lit and the surrounding avenues glow. The interior is small, so 45 minutes is enough.
How do I get to the Bell Tower?: It is at the exact centre of the walled city. Take metro Line 2 to the Bell Tower station, which exits right by it.
Is the Bell Tower worth it?: Yes, for the central views and the photo. Pair it with the Drum Tower next door using the combo ticket.

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.