Xiánníng

Xianning was one of the two counties sharing the city of Xi'an, alongside Chang'an. Its name was adopted under the Jin in 1181 and remained in use through the Ming and Qing. The two county administrations served a city built upon the remains of the Tang capital, where streets converged on the great Bell Tower. The Ming built the tower in 1384. As the city expanded and its centre shifted east, the magistrates of Xianning and Chang'an were ordered to move it to its new position in 1582. Its bell announced the hours and gave warning to the inhabitants, while the two county offices continued to administer the city and its surrounding countryside.