Five hundred forty-four lions guard the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Each one unique. Each one watching over the waters of Kunming Lake. This isn’t just any bridge. It’s the heart of the Summer Palace a testament to imperial grandeur.
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge links the eastern shore to Nanhu Island. It’s a breathtaking sight. Imagine Emperor Qianlong commissioning this masterpiece. He wanted to celebrate his mother’s sixtieth birthday. He chose this elegant bridge as his gift. It stands as a symbol of longevity. The bridge mimics the famous Marco Polo Bridge. Yet it’s more than a copy. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is adorned with even more lions. Fifty-nine more to be exact.
The construction was not without its legends. One story speaks of an old man. He offered ‘Dragon Gate’ stones. He was ignored at first. Later his stone proved crucial. It perfectly fit the bridge’s center. The workers believed the old man was Luban. He is the legendary ancestor of all carpenters. This magical tale adds charm to the bridge’s history.
The bridge is more than just stone and marble. The arches reflect in the lake. It creates an illusion of endless beauty. The lions gaze out with their varied expressions. They are silent witnesses to centuries of history. The bridge itself sways gently in the spring breeze. It looks like a pearl necklace resting on the water.
From the bridge you can see Longevity Hill. It’s one of the best views in the Summer Palace. You can even see the bridge from afar. The bridge is more than just a passageway. It’s a work of art. It’s a story. It is a part of the Summer Palace’s beauty. It is the Seventeenth-Arch Bridge.