Big Bell Temple

Introduction of Beijing Big Bell Temple

The Big Bell Temple, was built in the year 1733 of the Qing Dynasty, and 10 years later during the reign of Qianlong emperor, a big bell was moved into the temple, hence the name. Since then, it was often chosen by the emperors to pray for rain and blessings for the people.

The temple displays a number of many large buildings, such as the Mountain Gate, the Bell and Drum Tower, the Scripture Collection Pavilion, the Big Bell Tower and other halls. Among these, the Big Bell Tower is the main part, which is a circular shape on the top and square below according to the Chinese saying that 'the sky is circular and the earth is square'.

The Big Bell

The Big Bell is hanging in the Big Bell Tower. Made in 1403, the first year of Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty, the bell was one of the three projects that he commanded after reestablishing Beijing as the capital. Another two were the famous Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven.

The bell weighs 46.5 tons, with a height of 6.94 meters. It is inscribed with Buddhist Mantras all around both the inside and outside of the body, over 227,000 characters in all. Skillfully designed, it sounds crisp and sweet by ringing lightly, while it sends a deep and resounding tone from a forcible strike which can be carried 15 kilometers away. For these excellent and unique characteristics, it is called 'the King of Ancient Bells' by the people.

Ancient Bell Museum

There also have a Ancient Bell Museum inside the temple, this museum was built in 1985, displays hundreds of cultural artifacts, including many valuable bells made in ancient China and other foreign countries. You easily gain the impression that you are walking into a kingdom of bells when you see them all.

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