Xi'an Drum and Bell Tower

The Xi'an Drum and Bell Towers are called "sister towers" as they look similar and are close in proximity.
The Drum Tower was built during the Ming Dynasty in 1380 and has been renovated twice. Once in 1699 and in 1740. The building is made of brick and wood and there is not a single metal nail used in its construction. The tower is 112 feet high, 172 feet from east to west and 124 feet from north to south.
During ancient times the drums were used to signal the time, the closing and opening of the city gates and warned of danger. Now, tourists can enjoy a free drum show at the tower. 
The Bell Tower marks the geographical center of ancient Xi'an.  The tower was built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty as a landmark that was meant to dominate and intimidate the surrounding area of potential invaders.  The Bell Tower is the best preserved of it's kind in China. The tower is 118 feet high and 116 feet across. Tourists can enjoy a free bell and instrument show at the bell tower.

Drum performance

                                                              Drum Tower. I didn't get a good
                                                              photo of the Bell Tower.