The Bell and Drum Towers of Xi’An

Aside from the Terracotta Warriors, the Bell Tower (西安鐘樓) and the Drum Tower (西安鼓樓) within Xi’an are probably known as the representatives for the city.  Located right in the centre of town, The Drum Tower was built in the 1300s and is appropriately named, due to the large drum that is located within the building.  The drum was used to announce the sunset, which indicated the end of the day.  The Bell Tower was built a few years later, and is struck at dawn each day to indicate the start of the day. 

 You can climb to the top of both towers for views of the city, but we were satisfied with just viewing the towers from the outside.  It was particularly nice to see them at night when they are lit up.