The Bell Tower is located in the city centre of Xi’an, built in 1384 and is a wonderful example of a traditional stately building. Standing on an impressive brick base (35.5 m high) the two-storey wooden tower (36 m high) was originally built to dominate the countryside and also to be a look out for potential invaders. The Drum Tower is located northwest of the Bell Tower and are “sister” buildings. The Drum tower was built as a time clock for the city but also as an alarm in certain emergency situations and was built in 1380.