Yinchuan Bell Tower

Yinchuan Bell Tower

The Yinchuan Bell Tower is a cultural relic protection unit of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

• A century-old historic building in the bustling city center — explore local delicacies while enjoying the night view of this ancient landmark.

Attraction Introduction

The Yinchuan Bell Tower, also known as the "Cross Tower" or "Four-Directional Bell Tower," is located at the intersection of Jiefang East Street and Gonglou North-South Street, near the Jade Emperor Pavilion and Xinhua Street Pedestrian Street. The tower stands 36 meters tall and is built on a tall square platform. Below the platform is a cross-shaped arched passage that connects to Jiefang East Street and Gonglou North-South Street. The archways are inscribed with stone carvings: "Ying'en" (Welcoming Grace) on the east, "Lai'xun" (Fragrant Breeze Arrives) on the south, "Yi'shuang" (Refreshing Breeze) on the west, and "Gong'ji" (Embracing the Pole Star) on the north. Above the platform is a three-story pavilion with a hip-and-gable roof, featuring a cross layout.

On either side of the eastern archway are additional passageways, with the southern one inscribed "Kun'he" (Earth Closes) and leading to a side chamber, and the northern one inscribed "Qian'pi" (Heaven Opens). The rooftop ridges are adorned with dragon heads holding pearls, creating a vivid two-dragon play-the-pearls motif, adding unique charm. The bell tower is tightly structured, exquisitely designed, and offers sweeping views of Yinchuan when you lean on the railing from the upper floors.

Located at the crossroads of Jiefang East Street and Gonglou North-South Street in Yinchuan City, the bell tower was first built in the first year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1821 AD), under the supervision of Zhao Yixuan, the then prefect of Ningxia. It has a history of over 160 years. In the 34th year of the Guangxu reign (1908 AD), it was rebuilt with donations from local gentry and merchants, and further expanded in 1917. The tower is 26 meters tall overall, with an 8.5-meter-high square base measuring 24 meters on each side. Below the base is a cross-shaped arched passage. At the center of the platform is a two-story pavilion with a double-eave hip-and-gable roof, featuring corner towers on all four sides. The office of the first CCP organization in Ningxia, the "Ningxia Special Branch of the CCP," established in 1926, and the county party headquarters were located in the northeastern corner tower of the bell tower. In 1986, it was designated as a municipal cultural relic protection unit by the Yinchuan Municipal People’s Government, and in 1988, it was further listed as an autonomous region-level cultural relic protection unit by the regional government.

Address: Intersection of Jiefang East Street and Gonglou North-South Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan

Type: Historic Site

Recommended Visit Duration: 15–30 minutes

Phone: 0951-6071994

Opening Hours: Open all day

Admission: Free

Information Source: Yinchuan Municipal Government Official Website