Bell Tower Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information
On the busy streets in City of Xi'an, there is an ancient structure. In early morning of ancient times it had the mission of ringing the bell and giving the correct time to the whole city, called "The Bell Tower." This day-after-day time-given Bell Tower went through many dynasties. This tower became the symbol of Xi'an, ever since the date it was build. Due to its old age, many legends and anecdotes about the Bell Tower had been pass on from ancient times.
A Symbol in Xi'an
The wooden tower, which is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China, is 36 meters (118 feet) high. It stands on a brick base 35.5 meters (116.4 feet) long and 8.6 meters (28.2 feet) high on each side. During the Ming Dynasty, Xi'an was an important military town in Northwest China, a fact that is reflected in the size and historic significance of its tower.
Who built it
The tower was built in 1384 in the center of Xi'an City by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang as a way to dominate the surrounding countryside and provide early warning of attack by rival rulers.
When to rebuilt
In 1582, the city when through an expansion so the location of the Bell Tower changed. The Tower was moved 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) east of the original site. It than is situated towards the westside of the city. People then pulled down the original bell tower and rebuilt a bell tower in the center of expanded city and it is at the location now.
What used to be
Locate in the very heart of the city at the junction of four main roads. The Bell Tower is a classical building with carved beams and painted rafters. It houses a bell which was originally used to strike time every morning in ancient times.
How wide is "The tower base"
The tower base is square and it covers an area of 1,377 square meters. It is 8.6 meters high and 35.5 meters wide and built completely with green bricks. The tower is a brick and timber structure and 36 meters high.
On each side of the base, there is an arched door 6 meters (19.6feet) high. In the past, vehicles were allowed to pass through the arches and under the tower, but as the city has grown the volume of traffic has become too great, so a bright, spacious pedestrian subway has been constructed under the tower. The entrance to the tower is from this subway.
What to see
The tower is topped by a triple-eaved, two-story wooden structure with carved beams and color-painted rafters. Inside, a staircase spirals up. The grey bricks of the square base, the dark green glazed tiles on the eaves, gold-plating on the roof and gilded color painting make the tower a colorful and dramatic masterpiece of Ming-style architecture. In addition to enhancing the beauty of the building, the three layers ofaves reduce the impact of rain on the building.
Colorful Dougong
Coloful Dougong - a unique Chinese architecture of brackets inserted on the top of columns and crossbeams - strengthen the building and enhance the beauty of the structure. This kind of desgn is perceptible in bronze engravings which date back to the Warring States Period (475 B.C. - 221 B.C.). The inside is a remarkable example of the very intricate roof truss system used in Ming and Qing wooden architecture.
Why to visit
A fenced-in area around the tower is planted with grass and flowers. In early spring, the tender plum blossoms and bright new grass surrounding the old tower provide a harmonious contrast. Not far from the Tower, modern shopping malls and a brightly decorated square reveal the prosperity of the city. When night falls, lanterns hung from the eaves illuminate the tower, making it even more enchanting. The Bell Tower definitely deserves a visit on your trip to Xi'an.
Stories about it
As to the Bell Tower, there are many magical folk legends. In Ming Dynasty, several earthquakes struck Guanzhong area, thousands are dead and injured. Then a legend appeared: There was a great river flowing across the center of Xi'an City. A dragon in the river was always active and caused trouble, so the earthquake happened. An official of Xi'an government believed these words, so he ordered the blacksmith of the whole city to make a several thousand feet long iron chain in order to lock the dragon and sink it to river. He then ordered 5,000 craftsmen to repair the Bell Tower day and night. In order to use the tower to lock the dragon - the central of the city. He believes this should suppress the dragon firmly under the river and so it not longer can be active and cause trouble again. After establishing the Bell Tower, earthquake did not occur in Xi'an again. Of course, this is only a legend.
When to visit
- Opening Hours
8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.
- Recommended time for a visit
One hour