The bridge of more than 150 m and more than 500 carved lions
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge (Shiqikong Qiao) is a 150-metre white marble bridge connecting the East Causeway of Kunming Lake to South Lake Island. Seventeen semicircular arches give the bridge its name; the balustrades carry more than 500 carved stone lions in varied forms on the parapets and bridge ends. Built in 1750 by the Qianlong Emperor as part of the original Summer Palace design. The bridge is the iconic Summer Palace photograph after Tower of Buddhist Incense, and the natural disembarkation point from a dragon-boat ride.
- From central Beijing: Inside the park — allow 30–45 minutes from central Beijing to reach the gates first
- Visit style: Bridge walk + photo: 20-30 min; with South Lake Island: 45-60 min
- Difficulty: Flat marble surface; easy walking
- Crowds: Photo-spot crowded midday in summer; quieter early morning
- Best for: Photographers (signature shot); Visitors taking the dragon-boat; Families with kids - the lions captivate
- Less ideal for: Time-poor visitors without the boat - the walk to the bridge is 15 min
Seventeen-Arch Bridge
Seventeen-Arch Bridge at a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 150 metres (495 feet) |
| Arches | 17 semicircular - middle arch largest, then progressively smaller |
| Width | 8 metres |
| Carved lions | more than 500 carved stone lions in varied forms |
| Material | White marble (mainly), some limestone |
| Built | 1750 by Qianlong |
| Connects | East Causeway to South Lake Island |
| Signature shot | From East Causeway looking west, bridge spanning to Longevity Hill in background |
Why 17 arches
The bridge has seventeen openings with the largest arch near the center and progressively smaller arches toward the ends. That physical grading—not an unsupported numerology story—is the reliable visitor description.
- Seventeen openings: largest near the center, progressively smaller toward the ends.
- Largest opening near the center.
- Progressive arch sizes toward the ends.
- Reliable description is architectural, not symbolic numerology.
Best photo angles
Three signature shots. (1) From the East Causeway looking west: bridge spanning toward South Lake Island, Longevity Hill rising in the background, Tower of Buddhist Incense as the apex - the icon. (2) From the bridge looking back at Longevity Hill: lake foreground, hill background. (3) From the dragon-boat passing under the central arch: lions on the balustrade above, lake water below. Golden hour 4-5 PM lights the marble warm orange.
- East Causeway looking west: the icon.
- From bridge looking back at Longevity Hill.
- From dragon-boat passing under arches.
- Golden hour 4-5 PM: warm marble.
South Lake Island
The bridge connects to South Lake Island, the largest of the three Kunming Lake islands. On the island: Temple of the Dragon King (Longwang Miao - small Qing-era temple), a few stone pavilions, photo angles back across the lake. Most visitors spend 15-20 min on the island before walking back across the bridge or boarding a return dragon-boat. The island also serves as the dragon-boat dock for visitors heading back to East Gate.
- Largest of Kunming Lake's three islands.
- Temple of the Dragon King (Qing era).
- 15-20 min visit typical.
- Dragon-boat dock for return trips.
South Lake Island
The bridge connects to South Lake Island, the largest of the three Kunming Lake islands. On the island: Temple of the Dragon King (Longwang Miao - small Qing-era temple), a few stone pavilions, photo angles back across the lake. Most visitors spend 15-20 min on the island before walking back across the bridge or boarding a return dragon-boat. The island also serves as the dragon-boat dock for visitors heading back to East Gate.
- Largest of Kunming Lake's three islands.
- Temple of the Dragon King (Qing era).
- 15-20 min visit typical.
- Dragon-boat dock for return trips.
Common 17-Arch Bridge mistakes
Walking across without counting lions
Each is unique. Even a 30-second look on three or four lions gives the carving variety.
Missing the East Causeway perspective
The iconic photo is from the causeway side looking west - not from on the bridge.
Going at midday in summer
No shade on the bridge or causeway. Morning or 4-5 PM is better.
Skipping the bridge because the boat goes elsewhere
Even if your boat docks at a different point, walking the bridge is a 20-min addition - worth it.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge FAQ
- A 150-metre white marble bridge connecting the East Causeway to South Lake Island. 17 semicircular arches; more than 500 carved stone lions and other stone animals on the parapets and ends.
- The bridge has seventeen openings with the largest arch near the center and progressively smaller arches toward the ends.
- More than 500 carved stone lions and other stone animals in varied forms on the parapets and bridge ends.
- 150 metres (495 feet).
- 1750, in the original Qianlong Emperor build.
- From the East Causeway looking west toward South Lake Island - bridge in foreground, Tower of Buddhist Incense on Longevity Hill in the background.
Walk the bridge with a guide
Our private SP day pairs the dragon-boat ride with a walk across the Seventeen-Arch Bridge - the more than 500 carved stone lions and the imperial numerology are the cultural highlight.
If photography is the priority, the photo-spots page covers the bridge angles in detail.
