The Quanzhou Bell Tower, located in the heart of Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, is a prominent landmark and a symbol of the city’s historical and architectural significance. Built in 1934, the Bell Tower stands as a testament to the blend of Western and Southern Fujian architectural styles, reflecting both historical events and cultural heritage.
Design and Structure
Standing at a height of 13.8 meters, the Bell Tower was designed by a British architect, showcasing a unique fusion of Western and Minnan (Southern Fujian) architectural styles. The structure is primarily made of reinforced concrete and painted in a crisp white, giving it a striking appearance against the cityscape.
The tower’s design is reminiscent of both a pavilion and a tower. At the very top, it features four round clocks facing the cardinal directions, along with a weather vane, a compass, and lightning rods. The middle section resembles a traditional pavilion with four windows, offering a panoramic view of the surroundings. The base of the tower is a circular platform supported by four square concrete columns. This platform is adorned with intricate decorative elements, adding to the tower’s visual appeal.
As time has passed, the Bell Tower has undergone some changes. Originally equipped with a mechanical clock, it has since been updated with a quartz clock. The tower now also features festive lighting, which illuminates the structure beautifully at night, creating a dazzling display that enhances the city’s evening atmosphere.
Historical Background
The construction of the Quanzhou Bell Tower was rooted in a significant historical event. In 1934, a local controversy emerged when Shen Fazao, a Nationalist army officer, sought to take a young concubine. Zhang Siliang, the County Magistrate of Jinjiang County, was accused of facilitating this act, which sparked public outrage.
In response to the societal backlash and protests led by students from Liming High School (now Liming University) and supported by the Quanzhou Women’s Association and other local schools, Zhang was compelled to address the grievance. To appease the public and defuse the tension, Zhang agreed to construct the Bell Tower as an act of contrition and restitution.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 10 minutes |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
Location and Transportation
The Bell Tower is located at the intersection of Zhongshan Road with East and West Streets in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 1, 3, 17, 21, 40, 55, 602, 604, K203, K502, or L1 and get off at Bell Tower Stop (钟楼站).
