The Bell Tower is a classical building with carved beams and
painted rafters. It stands in the center of the downtown area where
the North Steer, the South Street, the East Street and the North
Street and the West Street meet. It houses a huge bell which was
originally used to strike time every morning in ancient time. This
is how the tower got its name. Ever since its establishment, it has
become the symbol of Xi'an. Now, it is an important historical
monument in Shaanxi Province.The base of the tower is 1,337.4 square meters in size, 8.6 meters high and 35.5 meters wide. It was laid with blue bricks all over. The whole building, 36 meters above ground, is a brick-and-wood structure. Three storeys of eaves can only two storeys inside. The eaves are supported by colored dou gong, a traditional structural system in which brackets are joined with columns and crossbeams. The use of dou gong, made the whole building firm and beautiful. In fact, the dou gong, structure has its
origin in the Shang Dynasty
(1600-1100 B. C.). the design of dou gong, appears on bronze wares
dating back to the Warring States Period(475-221 B.C.).The base of the Drum Tower is 1,924 square meters in size, and 34 meters in height. It was also built with blue bricks. The building takes a rectangular shape and show tiers of eaves. It has only two storeys inside. There are decorated with networks of wood arches. The elegance and grandeur of its structure reveals much of the superb workmanship of the Chinese people.
The Drum Tower is now a historical monument in Shaanxi Province. After two large-scale renovations, the tower has been restored to its former beauty. With the two towers rivaling each other, the ancient city of Xi'an is more beautiful and spectacular than ever before.
