The Bell Museum in the Great Bell Temple (Dazhong Si), Beijing, is the only museum in China specialized in collecting, storing, displaying and studying ancient bells. This museum was established in October 1985 on the basis of the Cultural Relics Preservation Board of the Temple of Awakening (Juesheng Si), the original name of the Great Bell Temple. The Temple of Awakening was put on the list of Historical Monuments and Cultural Relics Under State Protec tion promulgated by the State Council in 1996.

    
The Temple of Awakening was built in 1733 (1 tth year of the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty). it is normally known as the Great Bell Temple because a large bell known as the Yongle Bell of the Ming Dynasty hangs in it. The structures in this temple are located along a south-north axis in the order of screen wall, gate, Hall of the Heavenly King, Hall of Maitreya, Hall of the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) and Scripture Depository. Besides these buildings there are the Bell and Drum Tower,

annex halls, monks' quarters and courtyards. The total area of the temple is 30,000 sq m with a floor space of 5,500 sq m. The area for exhibitions is 3,000 sq in. Currently, there is a collection of over 700 historical and cultural relics. Permanent exhibitions include "History of the Temple of Awakening," "Chimes of the Warring States Period," "No. 1 Exhibition of Bells," "No. 2 Exhibition of Bells," "Ancient Bells," "Brief History of Ancient Bells," "Five Unique Features of the King Bell," "Great Bell of Yongle," "Bell Garden with Nine Pavilions," "Demonstration of Cast of Bell," "Ancient Foreign Bells" and "Young People's Education Center." Besides, many exhibitions themed on other subjects are held here. Every year, the museum receives some 70,000 visitors.