The Bell Tower in Xian is one of the largest and best-preserved buildings of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Initially built in 1384, the Bell Tower is about 36 meters (118 feet) high with two floors. There is big bell made in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) on the tower. The bell will ring every morning to tell the time, hence the name of the tower. The Drum Tower is situated in the south of the Beiyuan Gate in the West Avenue, west of the Bell Tower. It was initially built in 1380, and reconstructed twice in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Every day at dark, the big drum on the tower will be beaten to tell the time, hence the 'morning bell and dark drum'.