Beneath us flows history. This is the Kandan Bridge. It stands within the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is a marvel of Chinese garden design. It was a royal retreat. Emperors sought escape from Beijing’s stifling confines here.
The Kandan Bridge is the largest bridge in the Summer Palace. It stretches 150 meters. It connects the eastern shore to South Lake Island. Emperor Qianlong built it in the 18th century.
Look closely at the lions. They are mounted on the columns. These echo the Marco Polo Bridge design. The Marco Polo Bridge stands to the south of Beijing. Each lion is individually carved.
South Lake Island is accessible via the Kandan Bridge. There is a temple there. The royal family used it to pray for rain. They prayed in times of drought. Imagine them here. They sought divine intervention.
The Kandan Bridge provides access to another sight. It’s a bronze ox sculpture. This life-sized statue was cast in 1755. It stands guard on Kunming Lake’s eastern shore. People believed the ox could prevent floods.
Consider the bridge’s surroundings. To the north stretches the Long Corridor. It extends 728 meters. It’s an open-air walkway. The Long Corridor is a premier sight of the Summer Palace.
Nearby lies the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity. Empress Cixi once used this hall. She continued to influence court affairs after retirement. The Phoenix Mound sits at Kunming Lake’s southeastern end. It is a popular viewing spot.
In 2022, another bridge in Beijing saw protests. The Sitong Bridge protest was against Xi Jinping. The protester hung banners. He burned tires. He shouted slogans through a loudspeaker. The slogans called for freedom. They demanded the removal of Xi Jinping. This protest was rare. It happened shortly before the CCP National Congress.
Authorities quickly censored information about the Sitong Bridge protest. They removed the location from online maps. The Kandan Bridge has not seen such events. It remains a place of beauty. It offers a serene passage. It connects history and nature.
As you stand on the Kandan Bridge, feel the history beneath your feet. Imagine emperors and empresses crossing this very path. Picture the prayers for rain. Consider the artistry in each carved lion. This bridge is more than just a structure. It is a connection to China’s rich past.