The Xi'an Drum Tower sits just northwest of the Bell Tower, marking the formal entrance to the Muslim Quarter in central Xi'an, Shaanxi. First built in 1380 under the Ming dynasty, the tower historically housed a large drum that was beaten each evening to signal the closing of the city gates, complementing the Bell Tower's morning chime. The upper floor displays a set of large drums, including a reconstructed ancient drum and rows of smaller ceremonial drums, and hosts short live drumming performances staged near the top of most hours. From the surrounding gallery, visitors look south across the roundabout to the Bell Tower and north into the archway and lantern-strung lane that opens into the Muslim Quarter's food stalls and shops. The tower's exterior, especially its tiled eaves and red pillars, is a popular photo backdrop both in daylight and after the facade lighting comes on at dusk. A visit typically takes about 45 minutes, covering the climb, the drum displays, and a performance if timing allows. Afternoons draw the heaviest foot traffic as visitors pass through en route to the Muslim Quarter, while a visit soon after opening or right before closing tends to be calmer.
| Admission | Adult ¥50 (~$7); ¥70 (~$10) combined with Bell Tower · Child Half price under 1.4m |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:30 AM–9:00 PM |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon; drumming performances are staged near the top of most hours |
| Getting there | Metro Line 2 to Bell Tower station, walk 5 minutes |
| Address | North of the Bell Tower, entrance to the Muslim Quarter, Xi'an |
Weather through the year in Shaanxi
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Shaanxi.
Location
North of the Bell Tower, entrance to the Muslim Quarter, Xi'an
34.2672, 108.9494 View on map
Highlights
- Historic drum collection including a large reconstructed war drum
- Scheduled live drumming performances staged near the top of the hour
- Gallery views over the Bell Tower and into the Muslim Quarter entrance
- Ming dynasty tiled-roof architecture with red lacquered pillars
- Evening facade lighting visible from the surrounding plaza
Tips for visiting
- Combine the ticket with the Bell Tower for a discounted joint admission
- Visit right before entering the Muslim Quarter since the tower sits at its gateway
- Check the performance schedule posted at the entrance to catch a live drumming session
- Early morning or near closing time avoids the heaviest foot traffic
- Stairs inside are steep and narrow, so allow extra time during busy periods
When to visit
Late afternoon, timed to catch a drumming performance near the top of the hour, before heading into the Muslim Quarter at dusk.
Accessibility
Interior access is by stairway only, with no elevator to the upper drum gallery, so the site is not well suited to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Drum Tower take?
Around 45 minutes covers the climb, the drum displays, and a short live performance if the timing works out.
Is the Drum Tower worth it for kids?
Yes -- the large drums and live performances tend to hold children's attention, and it pairs naturally with a walk into the adjacent Muslim Quarter.
Is photography allowed inside the Drum Tower?
Photography is allowed on all levels, including of the drum displays, though performers may ask visitors not to use flash during shows.