Drum Tower— It is just 15-minute drive away

Located about 500 meters northwest of the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower is another architectural masterpiece of Xi’an. Built in 1380, four years before the Bell Tower, it originally housed a massive drum used to mark the time at dusk—hence its name.

Together, the bell in the Bell Tower and the drum in the Drum Tower were known as “The Morning Bell and the Dusk Drum.” While the drum eventually ceased to serve as a timekeeper, it remained a vital instrument for signaling warnings during times of war. Today, the Drum Tower stands as a testament to Xi’an’s rich history, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s ancient traditions.