The Bell Tower
Standing at the crossing of the East, West, South, and North avenues in city proper, the Bell Tower has been a symbol of Xian.
The tower was originally built in 1348, over 600 years ago and it was moved the present site in 1552 and then rebuild and enlarged in the Qing Dynasty. It has been the symbol of Xian. There used to be a huge iron bell hung in the tower, which was used to strike hours, thus the name Bell Tower. The bell fell sometime later and now it was placed on the northwest corner of base.
The tower was a wooden structure topped with dark green tiles. It is a grand ancient building with traditional Chinese architectural features. The Bell Tower is beautifully lit at night.
From the top the Bell Tower, visitors can get a bird's eye view of the surrounding areas and the building's brightly-decorated eaves.
The Drum Tower
The Drum Tower, across the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, to the northwest of the Bell Tower is a similar structure to the Bell Tower. It was erected in 1380, also during the Ming Dynasty. The tower got its name from the huge drum hung within it. While bell was stricken at dawn, drum was beat at sunset to indicate the end of the day.
The outside of the Drum Tower on its first floor, hangs many large drums. Each was decorated with some beautiful Chinese writing, which symbolizes good fortune. The impressive arrays of drums are only on show and visitors are not allowed to beat any of them. But there is a extra charge drum near the front entrance where you can have a try or pose for a picture for a small fee.
Inside the Drum Tower now is a drum museum, where a variety of drums are on display, some of which can be dated back a thousands years. A kind of drum show is performed here everyday. The top of the tower commands a panoramic view of the city.
