The shape of the pottery bell is similar to that of the Shang Dynasty bronze nao, which provides important clues for exploring the origin of the nao and bell musical instruments. The pottery bell of Yangshao Culture in Miaodigou, Shaanxian County, Henan Province, now in the National Museum, is about 5900 years old.

The pottery bell unearthed in the Xi'an Longshan Cultural Site of the Ancient Bell Museum of Beijing Dazhong Temple has a history of 5000-6000 years. This pottery bell is only the size of a cigarette box, and it has a handle. It looks like a stone shovel in the Neolithic Age.

The pottery bell unearthed in Doumen, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province belongs to the Hakshangzhuang culture of the Neolithic period. According to about 4,500 to 4,000 years ago, it is the originator of percussion instruments. It has evolved into bronze bells after several evolutions.

In addition, pottery bells have been unearthed at the Taosi site in Xiangfen, Shanxi, the Dahe Village site in Zhengzhou, and the Neolithic site in Doumen Town, Chang'an, Shaanxi.