Big Bell Temple

Introducing Big Bell Temple
The Big Bell Temple is situated in Beisanhuan Xilu (western section of the North 3rd Ring Road), approximately two kilometers east of Haidian Road. When the Big Bell Temple was first built in 1733, it was called the Temple of Righteous Awakening. In 1743, during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, a giant bell was transferred from the Temple of Longevity (Wanshousi) to this temple. From then on, it has commonly been referred to as the Big Bell Temple.

Big Bell Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Dazhongsi 大钟寺
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism Study, Chinese History and Culture, Bell Culture
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00-16:30
• Entrance Fee: ¥20/person
• Address: No.31 Beisanhuan Xilu, Haidian District, Beijing

What to expect at Big Bell Temple

The Big Bell
Big Bell Temple compound contains three rows of halls, one lined up behind the other. In the courtyard in front of the first big hall is an ancient cypress which has an elm branch grafted onto its trunk. The famous bell hangs in the Bell Tower at the rear of the compound. The tower is 16.7 meters high, with a square base, a circular upper structure and windows on four sides. It is said that Yao Guangxiao cast the bronze bell during the Yongle period (1403-1424) of the Ming Dynasty. The bell is 6.87 meters high, 3.3 meters in diameter, 0.22 meter thick and weighs 46.5 tons. Known as the "Huayan Bell." By climbing the spiral stairway to the top of the tower, the visitor will obtain a fine view of the surrounding countryside.

Ancient Bell Museum
In 1985, Ancient Bell Museum was built in the Big Bell Temple, displaying hundreds of cultural artifacts, including many valuable bells made in ancient China and other foreign countries. Now, the Temple has become a multi-functional museum that focuses on collections, researches and exhibitions of ancient bells and relative relics.

How to get to Big Bell Temple

By Metro
• Take Metro Line 13 and get off at Dazhongsi Station (Exit A).

By Bus
• Take bus No.87, 88, 361, 388, 422, 425, 604, 614, 658,695, 718, Te 8, Yuntong 101, Yuntong 201, or Fast Transit Line 300, and get off at Dazhongsi Station.

Additional travel advice on Big Bell Temple
• The temple is closed on Monday.
• Please dress and behave appropriately in the temple.