Published : 2026-01-09
On January 9, 1983, the replica of Marquis Yi Chime Bells (曾侯乙編鐘), the famous Chinese ancient chime bells, or called Bianzhong (編鐘), passed inspection in Wuhan.
To this day, ancient music played using the replica of the chime bells continues to attract numerous music enthusiasts and people from both China and abroad.
In May 1978, a set of rare ancient musical instruments was excavated from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng in Suixian County, Hubei Province, which dates back over 2,400 years.
This set of instruments is composed of 65 bronze bells of various sizes and tones, hung on a frame, and is known as Bianzhong.
Bianzhong is an ancient Chinese musical instrument used in sacrificial rituals, celebrations, and banquets.
When unearthed, the set of bells was hung on the bell frame in three layers.
As for the frame, it is constructed of bronze and wood, with a total length of about ten metres, three layers from top to bottom, and a height of 2.73 metres.
It is supported by six bronze warriors carrying swords and several human-shaped columns, holding up the 65 bells with a total weight of more than 3500 kilograms.
Beside the frame, there are six T-shaped painted wooden mallets used as bell-striking tools and two painted long rods used as bell-knocking tools.
