The Belfry
In the early Ming dynasty, the Palace of Abstinence had wooden gallows for hanging a bronze bell, which was sounded to announce the arrival and departure of the emperor. In 1743, a two-storey tower was built to house the gigantic bell cast in Yongle's reign and named the Bell of Supreme Harmony. With a thick large body, the bell can be heard far and wide when struck. Before the ritual took place, it was sounded to announce the departure of the emperor from the Palace of Abstinence and his arrival at the altar for the sacrificial rites.
