Our 2008 China Eclipse Trip - Page 25

The Bell Tower

After a leisurely morning, join the group for lunch before departing for the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a masterpiece of Buddhist construction built in AD 652. Climbing the stairs past seven stories of exquisite carvings and calligraphy, we will be treated to panoramic views of the city.

This evening we'll attend a traditional multi-course dumpling banquet, followed by an impressive performance of Tang Dynasty dance and music. Originally from the 14th century, this huge tower was relocated in 1739. It is possible to climb to the top. The Bell and Drum towers were used to keep time for the town and sound alarms. Tuned bells date back to the sixth century B.C. They can be made of stone, brass, or bronze. Different shapes of bells were used over the centuries.