Gazing at the seventeen arches mirrored in the water, have you ever wondered about the story of Xiaoyun Bridge? This bridge is more than just a pathway. It connects Nanhu Island to the eastern shore of Kunming Lake.
Xiaoyun Bridge was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty. That was between 1644 and 1911. The bridge mirrors the design of the Marco Polo Bridge. The Marco Polo Bridge is also known as Lugou Bridge. It is located in the Fengtai District of Beijing.
As its name suggests, Xiaoyun Bridge features seventeen symmetrical arches. The central arch is the largest. The others decrease in size on either side. The arches and their reflections create an awesome sight. It’s like a rainbow or an ornamental ribbon.
Xiaoyun Bridge stretches 150 meters long and rises 7 meters high. This height corresponds with the grandeur of the imperial garden. The bridge is adorned with 544 intricately carved lions. Each lion sits on a white marble baluster. They all boast different expressions and postures.
Nanhu Island covers over one hectare. It is the largest of the three islands in Kunming Lake. Xiaoyun Bridge links the island to the east bank. The island is edged with huge stones. It is enclosed with a carved stone fence.
From a distance, the island and Xiaoyun Bridge resemble a tortoise stretching its neck. In Chinese culture, the tortoise symbolizes longevity. Emperor Qianlong built this garden to celebrate his mother’s sixtieth birthday. So, the shape was a fitting tribute.
The island houses Hanxu Hall and the Dragon King Temple. Hanxu Hall is a pavilion where Empress Dowager Cixi inspected navy drills. The Dragon King Temple may have been built during the Ming Dynasty. That was between 1368 and 1644.
Legend says that in ancient times, the Dragon King was the divine master of rain. Cixi would stop to worship at the temple every time she visited the Summer Palace by waterway. So, Xiaoyun Bridge is more than just bricks and stone. It is a symbol of Chinese culture, imperial power, and reverence for nature. It connects us to stories of emperors, empresses, and ancient beliefs.