Drum Tower (Gulou)
Drum Tower (Gulou)
4
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Built in 1384, this imposing tower was rebuilt after the 1949 Communist revolution.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,035 reviews
Excellent
319
Very good
485
Average
211
Poor
17
Terrible
3
Jan Linha
Chongqing, China70 contributions
Aug 2022
The drum tower is much better than the bell tower. More things to see, moreover, there is a performance. Several people dressed up in historical robes perform musical performance using only various kinds of hitting musical instruments, mostly old/ancient. Very good performance. No extra pay for watching it. Also nice views from the tower at the city center. In my opinion, it is worth the visit more than Bell Tower.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ThaiCookingRocks
Changchun, China789 contributions
Dec 2020
There is much more to see here than there is at the Bell Tower, but its worth doing them both as it helps you imagine being part of Xi'an as a time when drums and bells helped dictate the life of the city from waking up, to closing and opening of the city gates.
At the Bell Tower, the inside just had lots of text panels, and pictures. Here there are many drums and drum types both inside and out. There was also a group of musicians that performed about 4-5 minus worth of music about every 45 minutes or so, and they were very good.
This is also right at the opening of the Muslim Quarter for those who want to visit there as well.
At the Bell Tower, the inside just had lots of text panels, and pictures. Here there are many drums and drum types both inside and out. There was also a group of musicians that performed about 4-5 minus worth of music about every 45 minutes or so, and they were very good.
This is also right at the opening of the Muslim Quarter for those who want to visit there as well.
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada1,893 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
You won't have to go far out of your way to see this tower as being in the ancient city walls is a must do in Xi'an. This is close to the Bell Tower but isn't too exciting. I've been reading that they play drums at sunset and have a display of decorated drums on the inside but it did not seem worth it as the area is quite busy.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen C
Singapore, Singapore1,080 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
The Drum Tower is located in downtown Xi’an. The place is well maintained so it is quite hard to believe that the place dates back to more than 600 years ago.
Entry for adults is at 30 RMB. Featured are 4 larger drums and 24 red drums each engraved with one of the 24 solar terms.
You will get a good view of downtown Xi’an from the tower, including the Bell Tower as well as Muslim Quarter.
Entry for adults is at 30 RMB. Featured are 4 larger drums and 24 red drums each engraved with one of the 24 solar terms.
You will get a good view of downtown Xi’an from the tower, including the Bell Tower as well as Muslim Quarter.
Written July 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny J
Perth, Australia864 contributions
Oct 2019
You get a great view from here of around town as well while upstairs. There is a small museum type display of instruments, lots of bells (inside and outside) and a short musical instrument show at certain times. There is not enough seating or this so you would need to get there a little while before the show started if you need to be able to sit down for the performance.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luis C
Changshu, China119 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
We went inside as we had some spared time. There are many drums and you can see the Muslim Quarter from above. Also, there's a musical show schedule at different times. That was a really nice surprise, as they played antique instruments.
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maxim B
Ottawa, Canada905 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
Saw this together with the Bell Tower on a combined ticket. Small and easy to see site. Although, Xian's hazy air didn't make for good observations from the upper levels of the Tower.
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cme1234
Singapore, Singapore427 contributions
Aug 2018
This attraction is located just in front of the Muslim quarters. This is a modest attraction which may be underwhelming for some. The performance was good but it was only for 15 mins. Please take note of the timings of the performance. I have attached a photo of the performance timings here.
Written August 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew_Alin
Greater Adelaide, Australia1,645 contributions
Very photogenic from the outside, but the inside is a bit disappointing.
If you do choose to go in, try to time your visit around one of the regular performances scheduled.
If you do choose to go in, try to time your visit around one of the regular performances scheduled.
Written February 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nr1379
London, UK66 contributions
Apr 2019
Beautiful at night. In the old days the bell would ring in the morning when the city gates were opened and the drums at night when they were closed. The Muslim quarter behind the drum tower is a must.
Written November 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leneme
George Town, Malaysia232 contributions
Combo ticket is rmb 50 or rm 100?
Tq
Jill M
Saint Louis, MO45 contributions
I also cannot answer the question as my entrance was paid for by a private tour guide. As far as photographing the building, it's very tall and there are MANY intricacies that might be worth going in to photograph.
MedParadise82
Province of Castellon, Spain
Does anybody know the opening hours in summer? Thanks!
mackaydawn1994
Chichester, UK11 contributions
Does anybody know what time the shows are at the Drum Tower please
Daniel A
Beijing, China32,963 contributions
I found my pic on Tripadvisor. The performance times are 9:10, 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00. Be 30 minutes early as seats are very limited.
jtrabue
Portland, OR47 contributions
Can anybody confirm the winter opening hours? Some sources say 18:00, others say 22:00.
Thank you,
JT
jtrabue
Portland, OR47 contributions
I thought I would follow this up... obviously I checked the various websites for this attraction and got contradictory information. That's why I was asking for clarification here. Anyway, I just got back from Xi'an and both towers closed at 18:00. You can still enjoy seeing them from outside and walking around the area, but to go inside, you must visit before18:00.
Drum Tower (Gulou) (Xi'an) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Drum Tower (Gulou)
- Drum Tower (Gulou) is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- We recommend booking Drum Tower (Gulou) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 38 Drum Tower (Gulou) tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Drum Tower (Gulou):
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- Hotels near Drum Tower (Gulou):
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