Is the Drum Tower worth visiting if I've already seen the Bell Tower?

If you only have time for one, the views are similar, but they sit just 200m apart and a combo ticket (50 RMB) costs less than buying both separately. The Drum Tower's real edge is its location: its north exit drops you straight into the Muslim Quarter, making it a natural last stop before dinner.

How do I get to the Drum Tower, and do I need to book ahead?

Take the metro to Bell Tower station and walk 200m northwest; the towers share the same square. The interior is rarely crowded, so advance booking isn't essential, but bring your passport since walk-up ticketing may ask for it. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the counter.

How long should I spend at the Drum Tower?

About 45 minutes is plenty. Climb up to see the Tang-era drum exhibition and the Ming wood architecture, walk the balcony for rooftop views over the old city, then exit north into the Muslim Quarter. Time it for late afternoon so you arrive at the food street as the stalls come alive.

Drum Tower, Xi'an: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

1380 Ming-era tower at the gateway to the Muslim Quarter — the sister landmark to the Bell Tower, named for its dusk-striking drum.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 西安鼓楼 (Xī’ān Gǔlóu)
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 9 PM
Time needed: 45 min
Best time to visit: 4-5 PM before chaining into Muslim Quarter
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Passport booking recommended
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: Beiyuanmen, Xi’an · 北院门

Drum Tower map & getting there

Map of Drum Tower (西安鼓楼) in Xi'an — nearby streets and metro stations

Amap (in China)Open in Google Maps Apple Maps Interactive Xi'an map →

Taxi / DiDi? Show the driver: 北院门 · Beiyuanmen, Xi’an

The Drum Tower (1380, 4 years older than the Bell Tower) sits 200m northwest of the Bell Tower and historically housed the great drum that struck dusk to close the city gates. 33m tall, similar Ming-era wood architecture. The exit on the north side opens directly into the Muslim Quarter (Beiyuanmen) — so this tour naturally chains into a Muslim Quarter food crawl. Combo ticket with Bell Tower is 50 RMB (vs 35+35 separate). Interior houses Tang-era drums on display. Best 4-5 PM before dusk to chain into Muslim Quarter evening.

Highlights

Muslim Quarter EntranceExit north side = directly into Beiyuanmen food street
Tang Drum ExhibitionOriginal-design replicas on display

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

Exit on the north side, not the way you entered, to step straight onto Beiyuanmen food street with no backtracking.
Shoot the tower from the open square between the Bell and Drum Towers at blue hour, just after the floodlights switch on.
Time your climb for 4-5 PM so you finish exactly as the Muslim Quarter stalls fire up for the evening.
If a drum performance is scheduled, check the posted times near the ticket booth; the brief demos are the main draw inside.
Weekday afternoons are noticeably quieter than the Bell Tower across the square, which absorbs most tour groups.
Skip buying the single Drum Tower ticket; the 50 RMB Bell+Drum combo is cheaper than two separate entries.

Photos

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McDonald's in front of the Xi'an Drum Tower (background) in Xi'an, PRC.

The Xi'an Drum Tower seen from the northwest in Xi'an, PRC.

Frequently asked questions about Drum Tower

Is the Drum Tower worth visiting if I’ve already seen the Bell Tower?: If you only have time for one, the views are similar, but they sit just 200m apart and a combo ticket (50 RMB) costs less than buying both separately. The Drum Tower’s real edge is its location: its north exit drops you straight into the Muslim Quarter, making it a natural last stop before dinner.
How do I get to the Drum Tower, and do I need to book ahead?: Take the metro to Bell Tower station and walk 200m northwest; the towers share the same square. The interior is rarely crowded, so advance booking isn’t essential, but bring your passport since walk-up ticketing may ask for it. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the counter.
How long should I spend at the Drum Tower?: About 45 minutes is plenty. Climb up to see the Tang-era drum exhibition and the Ming wood architecture, walk the balcony for rooftop views over the old city, then exit north into the Muslim Quarter. Time it for late afternoon so you arrive at the food street as the stalls come alive.