Travels in Xi'an: Bell Tower

The Bell Tower of Xi'an was built in 1384. The geographical location of the tower speaks volumes of its historic significance: it is situated in the city center and at the cross section of the four main streets of Xi'an. Look to the north is North Street, look to the south is South street, look to the east is East Street, and look to the west is West Street. The four streets furthermore connect the four gates of the city wall of Xi'an: North, South, East, West gates.


Whether by day or by night, the Bell Tower makes for a pretty picture.






This bell, also called Jingyun Bell, is a replica of the original Jingyun Bell now at the Beilin Museum. The replica was made in the Ming Dynasty.


A good reason to come to the Bell Tower is to catch a performance of the Qin Chime Bells.


Can you count all the 39 chime bells?


The performer in the middle is the soloist: she is the one responsible for striking the bells.