Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower

 May 9, 2023

XI'AN, May 8 (Xinhua) — Xi'an, a city with over 3,100 years of history, served as the capital for 13 dynasties in Chinese history. It is also home to the world-renowned Terracotta warriors created in the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC).

The city's long history can still be traced from its historical landmarks and archaeological sites.

Ancient City Wall

Xi'an boasts well-preserved ancient city walls used as fortifications for military defense. The best-known city walls were built from 1370 to 1378 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a total length of 13.7 kilometers.

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This aerial photo taken on April 30, 2023 shows tourists visiting the ancient city wall scenic spot in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This aerial photo taken on April 25, 2023 shows a night view of the south part of the ancient city wall in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Shao Rui]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This aerial photo taken on April 19, 2023 shows a view of the southeast corner of the ancient city wall in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This aerial photo taken on April 15, 2023 shows a view of the southwest corner of the ancient city wall in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This aerial photo taken on April 15, 2023 shows a view of a scenic moat area along the ancient city wall in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Xi'an Bell Tower

The Xi'an Bell Tower was built in 1384 during the reign of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The 36-meter-tall tower, a typical brick-and-wood structure, has been well preserved as the largest and oldest bell tower of its kind in China.

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This aerial photo taken on May 1, 2023 shows a view of the Bell Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This aerial photo taken on May 2, 2023 shows a night view of the Bell Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
A tourist enjoys the view near the Bell Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 2, 2023. [Photo by Zou Jingyi/Xinhua]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Tourists visit the Bell Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 1, 2023. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This photo taken on May 1, 2023 shows a view of the Bell Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Photo by Zou Jingyi/Xinhua]

 

Xi'an Drum Tower

The Drum Tower was initially built in 1380 during the reign of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). For centuries, it has worked with the Bell Tower about 200 meters away to the east to announce time.

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This aerial photo taken on April 25, 2023 shows a view of the Drum Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Tourists visit the Drum Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 1, 2023. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
This aerial photo taken on May 2, 2023 shows a night view of the Drum Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Tourists watch a performance at the Drum Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 1, 2023. [Photo by Zou Jingyi/Xinhua]

 

Landmarks in Time-Honored City of Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Tourists visit the Drum Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 1, 2023. [Photo by Zou Jingyi/Xinhua]

 

(Source: Xinhua)

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