The Chongxing Bell Tower

The Chongxing Bell Tower

The Chongxing Bell Tower is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

Located in the backyard of Zhongbai Company in Zhicheng Town, Changxing County, the bell tower is a single wooden structure with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof. Its upturned eaves are adorned with painted beams and hanging bells, giving the building a solemn and majestic appearance. Originally part of the Dacongjiao Temple, the bell tower was once known as Baode Temple, built in the first year of the Tianjia era (560) during the Chen Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties for the imperial concubine. The temple site was originally located one li to the west of the city. In the early Ming Dynasty, General Geng Bingwen constructed the city moat and relocated the temple to within the city walls in the second year of the Hongwu era (1369). In the 24th year of Hongwu, it was established as an official monastic institution, with the bell tower built to its left. The three-story tower stands tall. Its main gate faces south, featuring an arched portal with two stone doors on either side. The Chinese characters for "Bell Tower" (钟楼), written in standard script, are prominently displayed on the walls flanking the entrance. On the third floor, a large bronze bell is suspended at the center. The bell stands 2.05 meters tall, with a body height of 1.46 meters and a diameter of 1.12 meters. Its walls are 10 centimeters thick, and it weighs over 2,000 kilograms. The bell’s mouth is shaped like a lotus petal, and its body is engraved with decorative patterns. The top features a ring of lotus petal motifs, while the upper section contains inscribed Bagua (Eight Trigrams) designs. The lower section bears an inscription that reads: “Cast on the third day of the second month in the Year of the Yin Wood Dragon, the seventh year of the Hongwu era, by Magistrate Xiao Jian of Changxing and Commandant Liu Xian of the Garrison Garrison...” The bell is exquisitely crafted, with a dignified form and grand proportions, reflecting Tang and Song dynasty stylistic influences. It integrates casting craftsmanship, acoustic principles, and calligraphy artistry.

Zhicheng Subdistrict: Zhicheng Town is the seat of the Changxing County Committee and County Government of Zhejiang Province. It is located at the junction of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces, bordering Jiangsu to the north, Anhui to the west, Hangzhou to the south, and Taihu Lake to the east. The town covers an area of 88 square kilometers. As of 2007, it governs 15 administrative villages and 6 directly affiliated neighborhood committees, with a population of 49,400. The region boasts abundant and diverse natural resources, including the renowned “Four Treasures of Taihu.” Both industrial and agricultural sectors have seen rapid economic development. Social services and infrastructure are well-established.

Zhicheng is situated at the junction of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces, enjoying uniquely advantageous transportation and geographic conditions. Zhicheng Town is in Zhejiang... Detailed information about Zhicheng Subdistrict ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units in Zhejiang Province