A 36-metre wooden tower in the very middle of the old city, where Xi'an's two main axes cross. It was built in 1384, near the start of the Ming dynasty, and from its balcony you get the best free orientation in the city — the four great gates of the wall radiate from your feet, and you can see the Drum Tower a few hundred metres to the west.
Visit late in the afternoon, when the lower light is kinder to the painted woodwork. There is a ticketed combined pass for the Bell and Drum Towers; if you only have time for one, choose the Drum Tower for the better view of the Muslim Quarter rooftops.