Xi'An Silk Road: Drum Tower, Bell Tower & Great Mosque

Xi'An, China - Day Two on the Silk Road

Destination:ChinaCity:XiAnPopulation:13 million
Xi'An, China - Day Two on the Silk Road
James and Keli2020-11-158 min

On our second day on the Silk Road, we explored the Drum and Bell Tower, and the Great Mosque. These three places are very historic in the city. The Drum and Bell Tower were used to alert the city during the day and night, letting the citizens know they were safe in the city walls. The Great Mosque is the oldest and largest Mosque in China.

--- James and Keli
November 15, 2020, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction XiAn
  2. 0:22Day two begins
  3. 0:52Drum Tower visit
  4. 2:32Drum Tower interior
  5. 4:20Bell Tower visit
  6. 5:00Bell Tower view
  7. 7:37Great Mosque visit

James And Keli explored Xi'An's Drum Tower, Bell Tower, and Great Mosque, experiencing rich history and delicious street food. A memorable Silk Road adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Try the local pulled noodles for a delicious and authentic lunch experience. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local cuisine and culture. (0:28)
  2. Tip 2The Drum and Bell Towers are located very conveniently next to the Muslim Quarter, allowing for easy access to both historical sites and a vibrant culinary scene. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time. (0:59)
  3. Tip 3After visiting the Drum and Bell Towers, take some time to explore the Muslim Quarter. It's a lively area with many shops and restaurants offering a wide variety of food and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience the local culture. (1:06)
  4. Tip 4Be prepared for potential queues, especially at popular food stalls in the Muslim Quarter. It's worth the wait, but factor in extra time to avoid disappointment. (2:11)
  5. Tip 5The Drum Tower houses a collection of Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture. Take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship and history on display. Consider visiting similar collections in Suzhou or Beijing for a broader perspective. (2:32)
  6. Tip 6Check the schedule for drum shows at the Drum Tower. These performances offer a unique cultural experience and a glimpse into the city's history. (3:14)
  7. Tip 7Explore the numerous fruit stands around the city. They offer a wide variety of fresh, peeled fruit, perfect for a quick and healthy snack or a refreshing treat. (6:25)
  8. Tip 8When visiting the Great Mosque, allow time to wander through the charming alley of tourist shops that lead to the entrance. This adds to the overall experience and offers opportunities for unique purchases. (7:37)

James And Keli's second day in Xi'An was a whirlwind tour of history and culture. Their exploration of the Drum and Bell Towers, ancient timekeeping structures, provided a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. The Great Mosque, a stunning example of Chinese Islamic architecture, was another highlight, adding a unique dimension to their Silk Road journey. Their day was filled with delicious street food, charming local interactions, and unexpected discoveries, making for a truly memorable experience.

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Xi'An, China - Day Two on the Silk Road

This video follows James And Keli on their second day exploring Xi'An, China, as part of their Silk Road journey. They began with a leisurely morning, enjoying a local lunch of pulled noodles before heading to the Drum and Bell Towers. These iconic structures, situated near the Muslim Quarter, served as ancient timekeeping devices, with drums signaling safety at night and bells announcing the opening of the city gates in the morning. The video details the unique experience of purchasing tickets using Chinese ID cards, a common practice in China. Inside the Drum Tower, James And Keli observed Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, noting that Suzhou and Beijing are also known for their exquisite furniture. The Drum Tower's history and its role in city life are highlighted, including the nightly drum performances. Their journey continued to the Bell Tower, conveniently located via an underpass. From the Bell Tower, they enjoyed a view of the Drum Tower and the nearby Great Mosque. They also enjoyed some local fruits and refreshments near the mosque before entering. The video captures the bustling atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, including a fruit stand where they sampled fresh, peeled fruit. They concluded their day with a visit to the Great Mosque, the oldest and largest in China, passing through a charming alley of tourist shops. Throughout the video, James And Keli share their experiences and observations, offering a personal and engaging account of their Xi'An adventure. The video showcases the blend of history, culture, and everyday life that makes Xi'An a captivating destination. Their experiences highlight the unique aspects of Chinese culture, from the practicalities of ticket purchasing to the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter and the historical significance of the Drum and Bell Towers. The journey is punctuated with personal moments, such as sharing a peach and enjoying rose tea and coffee in a local coffee shop near the Great Mosque. The video successfully captures the essence of a day in Xi'An, inviting viewers to experience the city's rich history and vibrant culture through the eyes of James And Keli.

The video's unique details include the insights into the historical functions of the Drum and Bell Towers, the observation of Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, and the personal interactions with local vendors and the environment. These elements contribute to an authentic and engaging narrative, enriching the viewer's understanding of Xi'An.

The surprising discoveries include the necessity of a Chinese ID card for ticket purchases and the unexpected view of the Drum Tower from the Bell Tower. The local interactions, such as purchasing fruit and enjoying refreshments, add a layer of authenticity to the experience. The video successfully conveys the emotional moments, such as the enjoyment of the local food and the shared experience of exploring the historical sites.

The vivid language and storytelling elements create an engaging narrative, drawing the viewer into James And Keli's journey. The conversational tone makes the video accessible and enjoyable, while the informative content provides valuable insights into Xi'An's history and culture. The video provides a well-rounded and engaging account of a day in Xi'An, showcasing the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food through the personal experiences of James And Keli.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most memorable part of visiting the Drum and Bell Towers?
A: Definitely seeing how they were used to tell time and keep the city safe! It made history come alive.
Q: What was your favorite food experience in Xi'An?
A: Those pulled noodles were amazing! I'd never had anything like them before. And the fruit from the street stands was super refreshing.
Q: What was it like visiting the Great Mosque?
A: It was beautiful! Walking through that alley to get there was cool too, lots of little shops. The whole area had such a unique atmosphere.

Xi'An Silk Road: Drum Tower, Bell Tower & Great Mosque

On our second day on the Silk Road, we explored the Drum and Bell Tower, and the Great Mosque. These three places are very historic in the city. The Drum and Bell Tower were used to alert the city during the day and night, letting the citizens know they were safe in the city walls. The Great Mosque...

Xi'An Silk Road Journey: Drum Tower, Bell Tower & Great Mosque

James and Keli, a travel couple from Kansas, share their second day exploring Xi'An's historical wonders. Their journey along the Silk Road takes them to the Drum and Bell Tower, ancient structures that once regulated city life, and the Great Mosque, the oldest and largest in China. This captivating video offers a glimpse into Xi'An's rich history and vibrant culture, promising more adventures to come.

Attractions in this video: Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter