Qianyang Bell and Drum Tower

　　 The Bell and Drum Tower is situated within Puming Temple on ancient Longbiao Mountain in the east. It is a national-level cultural heritage site, built during the Xining era of the Song Dynasty (1071 AD), destroyed by war in the 14th year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1449 AD), and rebuilt in the 8th year of the Chenghua era (1472 AD). The bell was cast and installed in the tower in the 23rd year of the Chenghua era (1487 AD). The Bell and Drum Tower is a three-tiered, square pavilion with a pointed roof and wooden structure, covering an area of 200 square meters and standing 14 meters tall. A spiral staircase leads to the upper levels, each featuring low railings. The open-sided design offers panoramic views, capturing all twelve scenic spots of Longbiao within its lattice windows and low balustrades. Both inside and outside the tower stand a thousand-year-old iron tree and an ancient camphor tree—relics of Puming Temple and living fossils of the ancient city’s history.

　　 Source: Qianyang Ancient Town