This charming temple has a bronze bell 21 ft/7 m high, weighing more than 46 tons, that is the biggest of its kind in China. It was cast during the reign of Emperor Yong Le (1403-24). It is said that a shallow canal was built so that the bell could be slid over ice in the winter to the newly built temple, which dates from 1733. Buddhist scriptures are engraved on the bell, which is considered a national treasure. It is rung for prosperity on New Year's Eve and during the Spring Festival. Daily 8:30 am-4 pm. 10 yuan. Beisanhuanxi Jie, Haidian District, Beijing. Phone 6255-0819.
