Begin at the Bell Tower
Use Bell Tower of Xi’an as your starting point and check the pedestrian signs around Zhonglou station. The tower stands amid busy roads; use signed crossings and underground passages rather than following a straight line across traffic. An exterior view is enough to appreciate its layered roof and compact shape.
If you want to go inside, check current access and ticket details before joining a queue. Keep the climb optional for anyone who would prefer to stay at ground level. A photograph from the surrounding public area and an interior visit are different experiences, with different demands on time and mobility.
As reviewed on 21 October 2026, the Bell Tower’s indoor exhibition was closed for works scheduled through 15 November. Its second-floor viewing platform remains open under the museum’s notice. The Drum Tower’s indoor hall is scheduled to close during 1–30 November, with its platform also remaining open. Exterior views and the paomo stop keep this route usable. Packtricia will recheck reopening, but check the museum before travelling; the work schedule does not guarantee a reopening date.
Mobile data for your trip. Check what your current plan includes for roaming. If you need another option for maps, messages and booking details, compare NXTL eSIM coverage and rates. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, and check coverage for every stop. Download important maps and confirmations for offline use too.
Walk west towards the Drum Tower
Continue west towards Drum Tower of Xi’an, using the tower as your next clear landmark. Look for its wider façade and the drums beneath the eaves. Comparing the two buildings is more rewarding than treating them as interchangeable stops on a list.
Leave time to look around the square and orient yourself before entering the lanes. Tower interiors have their own ticket and opening conditions; do not assume a combined ticket or a musical performance is available on every visit. The exterior route gives you a useful short outing regardless.
Choose a bowl of paomo for the meal break
We recommend Tongshengxiang around the square for beef or mutton paomo. The bread is part of the dish, soaked and cooked in broth, so ask the staff how to prepare your bowl when ordering. This is a proper meal stop, especially welcome between outdoor walks in cooler weather.
Check ingredients and portion choices directly, particularly if you have allergies or dietary requirements. Paomo is not a vegetarian dish by default. Give yourself time to sit down and eat rather than balancing a hot bowl with a sightseeing timetable.
Keep the lanes optional and respectful
Beiyuanmen continues north of the Drum Tower into the Muslim Quarter. Walk a short section for the street atmosphere, then decide whether you want to continue towards Dapiyuan. The neighbourhood is larger than its busiest visitor street; you do not need to cover all of it after lunch.
A locally based food journal suggests using the side lanes for a more focused food outing. Here, keep the purpose modest: browse, notice the food being prepared and buy only what you actually want to try. Check prices and ingredients before ordering, ask before photographing vendors, and keep residential entrances clear.
Choose your finish before you tire
End near the central towers or return to Zhonglou for transport. If you want a night view, come back after a rest instead of lingering through a long afternoon solely for the lights. Comfortable shoes, a small bag and a seasonal layer suit this route better than heavy sightseeing gear.
Check before you go
Opening arrangements and visitor rules can change. Check the official information before your trip.
