Attraction in Xi'an:Bell Tower

Bell Tower - one of the landmark constructions in Xian

The Bell Tower was built in 1384 (Ming dynasty), which perches in Xi'an city centre. It stands facing each other with the Drum Tower, and is deemed as one of the landmark constructions and the bright pearl of the ancient city.

The tower was constructed with grey-green bricks and with a square platform. It is 36 meters in total height, covering more than 1377.4sq.m. This half- timbered three-storied construction with the triple dripping eaves and timbered saddle roof (a Chinese architectural style) covered by bottle-green glazed tiles. Outside the entire building is with the colored drawings, but inside the building is with the gold-overlaid colored drawings. Many beautiful pictures were drawn on its girders and many carvings were engraved on its ridgepoles.

The tower has four red big doors. On their leaves, 64 woodcarvings were enchased according to the stories. The carvings' compositions are very reasonable and dainty. They are fairly exquisite in technique and with very high artistic value. Under each flying eave, a big bell is hung. On top of the tower stands a 6-meter round gold-plating roof crown on a lotiform seat (the Buddha's seat) with colored glaze. It makes the tower look more grand and magnificent, and reveals the unusual styles of the architectural arts of the Ming Dynasty. Now there is a giant resemblant copper bell hung in the tower. The original bronze one that made in Tang Dynasty has been housed in the Forest of Steles Museum. In the ancient time, it was used to give the correct time at dawn.

Recommended Xian Tours including Bell Tower:
COT-XAT-02 2 Nights / 3 Days Tour Program in Xian