Beijing Ancient Bell Museum – Home of the Yongle Bell & Six Centuries of Chime Culture

Tucked beside the busy North Third Ring Road in Beijing lies a peaceful old temple — the Ancient Bell Museum. It is the only museum in China dedicated to the collection, study, and display of bell culture, and it houses the legendary Yongle Bell, often called the “King of Bells.” Built in 1733 during the Qing Dynasty, this former imperial temple invites you to step back in time, listen to six centuries of resonant chimes, and experience the depth of traditional Chinese culture.

1. Why You Should Visit

The museum was originally the Juesheng Temple, once a royal site for rain-praying ceremonies and Buddhist rituals. The temple itself is a cultural relic — its well-preserved ancient architecture, with red walls, gray tiles, and towering old trees, creates a tranquil escape from city noise.

The highlight is the Yongle Bell, weighing about 20 tons, cast in the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Yongle. Its surface is inscribed with over 200,000 characters of Buddhist scriptures in both Chinese and Sanskrit. Miraculously suspended by a single copper pin, it showcases the genius of ancient craftsmanship.

As China’s only bell-themed museum, it holds more than 700 historic bells, offering a complete overview of bell culture. Every New Year’s Eve, the Yongle Bell is struck 108 times, symbolizing the removal of 108 worldly troubles.

2. What You’ll See Inside

The museum is divided into ten themed exhibition halls, each unveiling a unique side of bell culture:

• “Resonant Bell Tones”: In the Hall of Heavenly Kings, hear recordings of the Yongle Bell’s majestic sound.
• “Forest of Ancient Bells”: Learn the history of bells and view 23 Buddhist bells of various sizes.
• “Echoes of Ritual and Music”: See a replica of the Zenghou Yi Chime-Bells and discover China’s ritual music traditions.
• “Solemn Instruments”: Explore bells from different dynasties, with the Qianlong-era bell as a highlight.
• “Foreign Bells”: Admire bells from Nepal, France, Korea, and beyond, including an eye-catching European carillon.
• “Golden Firelight”: Learn about ancient bell-casting techniques like clay-mold and lost-wax casting.
• “Sacred Buddhist Sounds”: See temple bells with clear origins, such as the Huitong Temple Bell and the Shideng Hermitage Bell, which trace the changing history of Beijing’s temples.

Must-See Treasures:

• Yongle Bell: Housed in the final courtyard’s Bell Tower, inscribed inside and out with Buddhist scriptures in Chinese and Sanskrit.
• Yongtai Temple Bell: Cast in 1713 and funded by infamous Qing official Sukezhi, now displayed as a warning against corruption.
• Wei Zhongxian Bell: Cast in 1627 by the notorious Ming eunuch Wei Zhongxian. Its slightly crooked form earned it the nickname “Crooked Bell”, seen as a reminder to live honestly.

3. Touring Tips and Itinerary

Suggested Route:
Enter through the main gate and follow the central axis: Hall of Heavenly Kings (“Resonant Bell Tones”) → Mahavira Hall (“Echoes of Ritual and Music”) and West Side Hall (“Imperial Juesheng”) → Guanyin Hall (“Solemn Instruments”) and West Wing (“Golden Firelight”) → Bell Tower (Yongle Bell) → Sutra Hall West Annex (stamp station). Then explore side halls such as the “Foreign Bells” gallery.

Time Planning:

• Quick Visit: About 1 hour — focus on the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, and Bell Tower.
• In-Depth Tour: 2–3 hours — cover all halls and interactive exhibits.

Insider Tips:

• Usually not crowded, ideal for a calm visit.
• Pick up free stamps at the Sutra Hall West Annex — there are about 36 designs including dragon motifs.
• Try the interactive bells you can strike, including replicas of Buddhist bells.
• Only strollers and wheelchairs are allowed inside; other mobility devices are banned. Accessibility is unclear, so call ahead if needed.
• No touching exhibits, no flash photography, and no food inside the halls.

4. Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Address: No. 31A, North Third Ring West Road, Haidian District, Beijing. Conveniently located right along the Third Ring Road.

Public Transport (Recommended):

• Subway: Take Line 13 to Dazhongsi Station, then walk to the museum.
• Bus: Multiple options including routes 87, 88, 94, 300 Express, 367, 361, 425, Special 8, and more to Dazhongsi Stop.

By Car:
Search “Ancient Bell Museum.” Expect heavy traffic along the North Third Ring, and parking is not guaranteed — public transport is best.

Nearby Spots:
Close to Beijing Zoo and Purple Bamboo Park, plus shopping centers and restaurants nearby. Perfect for combining culture with leisure.

5. Tickets and Opening Hours

Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 30 RMB
• Discount: 15 RMB (students over 18 with valid ID)

Free Entry for:

• Military personnel (active and disabled)
• Seniors aged 60+ (including residents of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign permanent residents)
• People with disabilities
• Minors under 18 (including Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan residents, and foreign permanent residents)
• Active firefighters and police officers

Special Free Days:

• Every Wednesday: first 200 visitors free
• Teachers’ Day: free entry with teacher ID
• Army Day (August 1): free for veterans with valid ID

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)
• Closed Mondays (except public holidays)
• Extended Summer Hours (April 1 – October 31): Saturdays open until 8:00 p.m. (last entry 7:30 p.m.)

Reservations:
Currently, no booking required. During holidays, check announcements — sometimes entry is simplified to walk-in only.

Seasonal Tip: Spring is best, when peonies bloom and wisteria drapes over the Bell Tower. For a one-of-a-kind experience, join the New Year’s Eve bell-striking ceremony, when the great Yongle Bell rings 108 times to welcome the year.

Here, in a quiet temple hidden from the city’s chaos, every bell tells a story — all waiting for you to listen.