The tower is an early construction in northern China that holds an important position in Chinese architectural history. Built in 540 in the East Wei Dynasty (534-550), the tower was renovated in 898 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The temple has long been destroyed and abandoned with only the bell tower and a brick pagoda remaining. The square-shaped bell tower has a width and a depth of three rooms. The two-storied tower has a gable and hip roof covered in black tiles. The tower is 14 meters high and covers an area of 135 square meters. Its huge, powerfully carved brackets reflect the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. An old bell, said to be a Tang cultural relic, hangs inside the tower. The mighty bell, which is 2.9 meters tall and 15 centimeters thick, with a diameter of 1.5 meters, produces a thunderous sound. The bell tower of the Kaiyuan Temple has been listed as one of the national key protected sites and is open to the public.