Big Bell Temple

Juesheng Temple, located on the north side of North Third Ring Road in Haidian District, is commonly called Big Bell Temple or Great Bell Temple for a big bell founded in the 2nd year under the reign of Yong Le of the Ming Dynasty (1404) is housed here. Juesheng Temple was founded in the 11th year under the reign of Yong Zheng of the Qing Dynasty (1733) with a large scale. Main temple buildings from south to north are main gate, heavenly king hall, main hall, rear hall, sutra tower, great bell tower and auxiliary hall. The temple had ever been the place where emperors prayed for rain.

The Great Bell is hanging in the Great Bell Tower. After founded under the order of Emperor Yong Le, the bell was originally placed in a sutra printing workshop inside the Desheng Gate, and was moved to the new-built Wanshou (longevity) Temple in the 5th year under the reign of Wan Li of the Ming Dynasty (1577) until the 11th year under the reign of Yong Zheng of the Qing Dynasty when the Wanshou Temple collapsed. Then, the bell was moved to the Juesheng Temple under the emperor's order, and was hung in Great Bell Tower.

As a clear identification at bell mouth edge shows that the bronze bell was made during the reign of Emperor Yong Le of the Ming Dynasty, the bell is also called Yongle Bell. It weighs 46.5 tons with a height of 6.94 metres and an edge diametre of 3.3 metres. It is inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and mantras all around both the inside and outside of the body, over 227,000 characters altogether in a calligraphy of regularity,1

correctitude, simplicity and hardiness. It is said that they are written by Shen Du a great calligrapher in the early Ming Dynasty. As one of the three greatest projects (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Great Bell) that Emperor Yong Le commanded to build after reestablishing Beijing as the capital, the bell was crowned as 'the King of Ancient Bells' for excellent performance and unique characteristics. According to historical record, Emperor Yong Le had this bell made for two purposes. One hand, he wanted to glorify his character and accomplishments in Jingnan Battle. On the other hand, he wanted to establish a significant mark for moving the capital to Beijing and strengthen his feudal rule.

Juesheng Temple (Great Bell Temple) is a national cultural heritage under special protection, and is the site of Chinese Ancient Bell Museum now.

How was the Great Bell hung in the tower?

The bell was moved from its former home in Ordination Terrace Temple (Jietaisi戒台寺) to this temple. The removal was very complicated, since IherG was no mechanical equipment for the transportation. However the ancient people had their own wisdom and techniques. First, in the depths of winter, water was poured along Ihe roadway to form an "ice way" along which the bell was hauled to its destination by oxen and men. Then, ai the bsse ol the bell tower, a mound was constructed and coaled with ice, and the bell was pushed up tho top of the mound. A frame consisting of a strong wooden beam and four supports was built around the mound. After [he bell was fastened to the frame, the mound was dug away, so the bell was left hanging Irom the frame Then a tower was built around the frame Now tho frame and tower where the bell hangs hsvo been there tor over 200 years, safe and solid even after ihe great earthquake in 1976 size but for its pure, deep and melodious rone. Its frequency ranges from 22 ro 800 hertz. Its cleat sound reaches up to 120 decibels and can be heard 50 kilometres away on a quiet night. On New Year Eve, ir is struck twelve times to mark rhe beginning of the new year.

The remplc has now been turned inro a musuem of bells, where you can see various bells dating from different periods, in different sizes and different shapes and for different purposes. It is well worthwhile seeing rhe museum if you are interested in bells and Chinese Buddhism.