Chan Beichi Top Complete Guide

What is Chan Beichi Top?

The Chan Beichi Top, more commonly recognized in Western technical analysis as the Tower Top, is a significant bearish reversal pattern that typically unfolds over approximately 20 bars. As described by Steve Nison in his foundational work on Japanese candlesticks, the pattern begins with one or more large, bullish candles (the 'left tower') that represent a strong existing uptrend. This is followed by a period of consolidation or 'plateauing' where the price action produces several small-bodied candles, creating a rounded or flat top—resembling the arched back of a cicada (Chan Beichi). The pattern is completed when one or more large, bearish candles (the 'right tower') plunge downward, ideally closing below the midpoint of the initial ascent. According to Thomas Bulkowski’s 'Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns,' the Tower Top is a reliable reversal signal with a relatively low break-even failure rate of approximately 11% in bull markets. Bulkowski’s data suggests that the average decline following a confirmed downward breakout is roughly 16%, ranking it 11th out of 23 bearish reversal patterns for overall performance. Volume characteristics are crucial for validation: volume is typically heavy during the formation of the left tower, diminishes significantly during the middle consolidation phase, and surges again as the right tower breaks support. This 'U-shaped' volume profile confirms that the initial buying exhaustion has transitioned into aggressive selling pressure. Traders should look for the pattern to form after a prolonged advance, as its effectiveness increases with the maturity of the preceding trend. The 20-bar duration provides enough time for the distribution phase to occur, distinguishing it from shorter-term volatility spikes.

Identification Rules

1. The pattern must be preceded by a distinct and sustained uptrend to be considered a reversal.
2. The 'Left Tower' must consist of one or more long-bodied bullish candles showing strong momentum.
3. A consolidation phase of 5 to 15 bars must form a 'roof' of small-bodied candles at the peak.
4. The 'Right Tower' must be a sharp bearish move with long-bodied candles closing deep into the previous advance.

References

• Thomas N. Bulkowski (2005). Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns.
• Steve Nison (2001). Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques.

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