The bed crossbow, known in Chinese as , was one of the most formidable siege weapons in ancient Chinese military history. At Zhongyu Woodcraft, we specialize in recreating these magnificent wooden siege weapons using authentic mortise-tenon joinery techniques passed down through generations. Our bed crossbows are designed for cultural tourism projects, historical parks, museums, and film productions bringing ancient Chinese military engineering to life with museum-quality craftsmanship.
A bed crossbow is a large, mounted crossbow that was developed during China’s Song Dynasty as a counter to armored cavalry and fortified positions. Unlike handheld crossbows, the bed crossbow was bolted onto a wooden frame or carriage, allowing it to fire arrows or bolts with extraordinary penetrating power. Historical records from the Wujing Zongyao (, 1044 AD) document several types of bed crossbows, including the three-draw bed crossbow () that required three men to operate the winding mechanism.
These weapons represented the pinnacle of ancient Chinese mechanical engineering. The combination of massive wooden bow limbs, a precision-ratchet winding mechanism, and the traditional mortise-tenon frame structure made the bed crossbow a terrifying weapon on the battlefield. Today, replicas serve as powerful educational tools and spectacular centerpieces for cultural tourism destinations.
| Specification | Standard Model | Large Model |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 3.5 meters (11.5 ft) | 5.0 meters (16.4 ft) |
| Width (Frame) | 1.2 meters (4.0 ft) | 1.5 meters (5.0 ft) |
| Height (to Top of Bow) | 1.5 meters (5.0 ft) | 2.0 meters (6.6 ft) |
| Bow Span | 2.8 meters (9.2 ft) | 4.0 meters (13.1 ft) |
| Draw Weight (Simulated) | ~150 kg force equivalent | ~300 kg force equivalent |
| Weight (Disassembled) | Approx. 180 kg | Approx. 320 kg |
| Material | Hardwood / Pine / Teak | Hardwood / Teak / Oak |
| Joinery | 100% Mortise-Tenon, no metal fasteners in structure | |
| Winding Mechanism | Functional ratchet & pinion, steel axles | |
| Lead Time | 20-30 days | 30-45 days |
| Container Fit | Fits 20ft container (standard) / 40ft container (large) | |
The quality of a bed crossbow replica depends entirely on the materials and craftsmanship behind it. At our Chongqing factory, which has been producing traditional wooden structures since 1978, every bed crossbow goes through a meticulous production process.
Wood Selection: We use kiln-dried hardwoods typically oak, teak, or premium pine with moisture content controlled to 8-12%. This prevents warping and cracking after installation. For coastal or humid climate projects, we recommend teak or pressure-treated hardwood for maximum durability.
Mortise-Tenon Construction: The frame is assembled entirely with traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon joints. Each joint is hand-cut to a tolerance of less than 0.5mm, ensuring a snug fit that tightens under load. This is the same technique used in Song Dynasty military workshops, as described in the Tiangong Kaiwu (, 1637 AD): “The craft of the carpenter lies in the interlocking of wood, where tenons and mortises bear the weight without iron nails.”
Decorative Details: Surface carving includes traditional patterns such as cloud motifs, dragon scales, and geometric border designs all hand-carved by our master craftsmen. The finish can range from natural wood tone to antique dark stain, depending on the project requirements.
Every cultural tourism project is unique, and our bed crossbows can be fully customized to match your specific requirements:
Our bed crossbows have been installed in diverse projects across the globe:
We ship bed crossbows from our Chongqing factory to destinations worldwide. Each unit is carefully disassembled into manageable components, wrapped in protective packaging, and loaded into standard shipping containers.
Assembly is straightforward: All parts are numbered and pre-drilled. Our detailed assembly manual available in English and other languages guides your team through the process. Video support is provided via WhatsApp for any questions that arise during installation. For larger projects, we can arrange on-site installation guidance.
Shipping options: FCL (full container load) for single large units, LCL (less than container load) for multiple smaller orders. Door-to-door delivery is available to most countries.
A: Prices range from USD 3,000 to USD 15,000 depending on size, material, and level of customization. Standard models start around USD 3,000, while large-scale museum-quality pieces with full functional mechanisms can reach USD 12,000-15,000. We provide detailed quotations within 24 hours.
A: Yes our standard models include a fully functional ratchet-and-pinion winding mechanism. It is designed to be operated safely by adults under supervision. The simulated draw weight provides realistic resistance without requiring dangerous levels of force.
A: Standard models take 20-30 days from order confirmation. Custom-sized or historically detailed pieces may require 30-45 days. Rush orders are available for urgent projects.
A: Assembly is designed to be DIY-friendly with numbered parts and clear instructions. Our team provides video support via WhatsApp. For complex installations, we can arrange on-site guidance at additional cost.
A: We offer premium pine, oak, teak, and pressure-treated hardwood. Pine is cost-effective for indoor displays, while teak and oak are recommended for outdoor installations due to their natural weather resistance.
A: Yes, we ship worldwide via FCL and LCL container freight. Our packaging is designed for long-distance ocean shipping. We have exported to museums and theme parks in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Korea, and many other countries.
A: We provide a 1-year warranty on structural integrity and craftsmanship. Lifetime maintenance support is available, including replacement parts and restoration guidance.
A: Absolutely. We can replicate bed crossbows from the Song Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, or other periods based on historical records and archaeological references. Provide us with your design requirements or reference images.
With over 48 years of experience in traditional Chinese wooden craftsmanship, Zhongyu Woodcraft is a trusted manufacturer for cultural tourism projects worldwide. Our bed crossbows combine authentic mortise-tenon joinery with modern quality control, ensuring every piece meets the highest standards of historical accuracy and structural integrity.
Whether you are developing a cultural tourism park in Weifang, outfitting a museum in North America, or creating a historical film set in Europe, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. We export to 50+ countries and have completed 300+ projects across all six continents.
Ready to add a magnificent bed crossbow to your project? Contact us for a free, detailed quotation including specifications, drawings, and shipping costs. Our team responds within 24 hours via email or WhatsApp.
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| Material | Solid timber (Chinese pine, eucalyptus, or premium wood options) |
|---|---|
| Treatment | ACQ pressure-treated, 50+ year outdoor lifespan |
| MOQ | 1 unit (sample order welcome) |
| Lead Time | 10-20 working days (sample); 20-40 days (bulk) |
| Shipping | FOB Chongqing. Worldwide shipping available |
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☎ Hotline: +86 13883366528 (WhatsApp same number) · 💬 WhatsApp
