Big Bell Temple, Buddhist temple in Zhongguancun Subdistrict, China

Big Bell Temple is a Buddhist temple that houses a massive bronze bell, measuring approximately 5.5 meters in height, 3.3 meters in diameter, and weighing about 46 tons. The bell serves as the centerpiece of the complex and is one of the most impressive objects visitors see when they arrive.

The temple was constructed in 1733 during Emperor Yongzheng's reign and took its name after it received the Yongle Big Bell, which originated from the Ming Dynasty. This bell was originally created elsewhere and was moved to this location at a later time.

The bell displays over 230,000 Chinese characters carved into its surface, representing Buddhist scriptures and showing the level of craftsmanship that was possible in that era. Visitors today can examine these intricate details and appreciate the skill required to create such work.

The temple faces North 3rd Ring Road West in Haidian District, with the main hall, bell tower and drum tower aligned on a north–south axis that tilts slightly west. The bell tower is two storeys, square below and round above. The temple grounds cover about 30,000 square metres, while the exhibition halls occupy about 2,500 square metres.

Within the complex sits an Ancient Bell Museum housing hundreds of bronze bells collected from temples across China beginning in 1985. This collection reveals how bell-making techniques and styles varied across different regions and time periods.