Marvel at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. This isn’t just any bridge. It’s a masterpiece of imperial design. It connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. Emperor Qianlong commissioned its construction. He wanted to celebrate his mother’s sixtieth birthday. The bridge’s seventeen arches are perfectly symmetrical. The largest arch sits in the center. The others gracefully decrease in size. This design isn’t random. The number nine is considered auspicious. From either side of the bridge you can count nine arches.
The bridge isn’t just functional. It’s breathtaking. It’s 150 meters long and 7 meters high. Imagine strolling across it. The white marble balustrades are adorned with 544 delicately carved lions. Each lion has a unique expression and posture. They are truly captivating. The bridge mirrors its elegance in the still water below. The reflection is almost magical. The entire scene is a stunning panorama.
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge’s design was inspired by other famous bridges. It shares similarities with the Marco Polo Bridge and the Baodai Bridge. But this bridge is unique. It’s the sole passage to Nanhu Island. This makes it a vital part of the Summer Palace. The island itself is steeped in history. The Hanxu Hall stands on the island. Empress Dowager Cixi used to watch naval drills there. The Dragon King Temple also sits on the island. Cixi would worship there when she arrived by boat.
A fascinating legend surrounds the bridge’s construction. A poor old man offered a stone. He called it the Dragon Gate Stone. Builders ignored him. The project neared completion. They still lacked one crucial stone. Then they remembered the old man’s offer. They found him. His stone fit perfectly. The man was believed to be the incarnation of Luban. Luban is the legendary ancestor of all carpenters.
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is a symbol of longevity. Its shape resembles a tortoise stretching its neck. Tortoises represent longevity in Chinese culture. This perfectly suited the Emperor’s purpose. He built the Summer Palace to honor his mother’s long life. The bridge’s beauty changes throughout the year. In spring the willows sway. The water ripples. The bridge seems to dance. The lions are perfect for photographers. Their expressions and postures are varied and full of life. This bridge is more than just a way across water. It’s a timeless work of art. A symbol of imperial grandeur. And a lasting testament to Chinese ingenuity.