Taozhong, or pottery bells, which appeared in the Neolithic period of primitive Chinese society, is considered the earliest kind of bells in China and was used as a play instrument by people after work. During the Shang Dynasty (1766-1121BC), the introduction of bronze led to the creation of a series of bronze instruments, including Tongnao (bronze cymbals-a bronze percussion instrument resembling an inverted bell, sounded by a hammer); Tongling (small bronze bells); and Tongzhong (bronze bells), which evolved into Biannao (a chime of bronze cymbals).

Other bronze instruments included Bianling (a chime of small bells) and bianzhong (a chime of bells) during the Warring States Period. Most of these chimes were shaped like combined pairs of tiles, capable of producing quick and short notes. At that time, the bells were mostly for performing purposes, so they were also called musical bells.

In the course of social development, these musical bells gradually became feudal sacrificial vessels and symbols of the ruling classes' power, rank and status. According to historical records, "The emperor could have bells on the four sides of his palace; a duke and a prince, on three sides, and a minister on two sides."

The chime-casting techniques were nearly lost though the turmoil and disorder of the war of unification lead by Emperor Qin, in which many craftsmen and instrument players lost their lives. From the Song Dynasty (960-1279) until the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), not only were the chime-casting techniques little known, but the chime music also faced extinction.

With the introduction of Buddhism into China during the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD), ancient bells again gained its place in the society as an important musical instrument for Buddhism. As is reflected in a saying, "There are bells at every temple. Without bells, there will be no temples." By that time, however, round bells had taken the place of those tile-shaped ones, producing sweet and sonorous sound, which could be heard from faraway.

With their deep and prolonged sound as well as their imposing shapes, these round bells were widely used on various occasions for different purposes, appearing in Buddhist and Taoist temples as well as in imperial courts. In those days, bells served both as musical instruments and sacrificial vessels.