The Bell Tower is the geographic and cultural center of Xi an, surrounded by the ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and major shopping streets.

About Xi an City Center (Bell Tower)

Xi'an's city center revolves around the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, imposing Ming Dynasty structures standing at the intersection of the four main streets that divide the old walled city into quadrants. The ancient city walls themselves—the best-preserved in China—stretch 14 km around the old city and can be walked or cycled along the top for spectacular views.

Behind the Drum Tower, the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) is Xi'an's most vibrant food street, where Hui Muslim vendors sell lamb skewers, roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), and biang biang noodles from stalls lining narrow alleys decorated with lanterns. Xi'an served as the starting point of the Silk Road and capital of 13 dynasties, and this deep history permeates the modern city. The Shaanxi History Museum houses an extraordinary collection of Tang Dynasty treasures, and the Wild Goose Pagodas stand as elegant reminders of the Buddhist heritage.

Nearby Landmarks

Bell Tower Drum Tower Muslim Quarter City Walls Great Mosque

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CNY 100-150 (USD 14-21)
Time 40-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CNY 90-130 (USD 13-18)
Time 40-60 minutes

Didi app recommended for ride-hailing from arrivals level

Train (Metro Line 14 (Airport Line))

Cost CNY 7-9
Time 60-70 minutes
Frequency Every 10-15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Airport Express Bus: Exit arrivals, board Line 1 bus to Xi an Railway Station (50 min). Walk to Bell Tower (10 min). OR 2. Metro Line 14 from Terminal 3 station, transfer to Line 2 at Beidajie for Bell Tower.

Airport Express Bus Line 1

Cost CNY 25
Time 50-60 minutes
Frequency Every 15-20 minutes, 6 AM - last arrival

Terminals 2 and 3 arrivals curbside

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CNY 100-150 (USD 14-21) 40-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CNY 90-130 (USD 13-18) 40-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train CNY 7-9 60-70 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic
Bus/Shuttle CNY 25 50-60 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Airport Express Metro runs until approximately 11 PM (last departure from airport). After that, airport shuttle buses continue until the last flight. Taxis and Didi operate 24/7; a late-night taxi to the Bell Tower costs about 120-150 CNY ($16-20).

Luggage Tips

Metro trains have luggage racks and wide aisles. The airport station is modern with escalators and elevators. Within the walled city, streets are generally flat and suitable for rolling luggage.

Accessibility

The Airport Express Metro is modern and fully accessible with elevators at all stations. Xi'an's city walls have ramp access at most gates. The Muslim Quarter's narrow alleys can be crowded. Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be booked via Didi.