The 150m bridge and 544 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 544 carved stone lions, each one unique - the highest lion count on any Chinese stone bridge. 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.
- Drive time from Beijing: n/a - inside the park
- Typical 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 | 544 - each unique, on balustrade tops |
| 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 |
The 544 carved lions
Each lion on the balustrade is unique - the carvers were instructed not to repeat a single pose, expression, or pairing. Lions stand alone, in pairs, with cubs at their feet, with paws on balls, snarling, sleeping, playing. The total of 544 is the highest lion count on any Chinese stone bridge and rivals the famous Lugou (Marco Polo) Bridge southwest of Beijing. Walking the bridge and looking at each lion is a slow 15-20 min experience for the curious; most visitors only notice the highlights.
- 544 lions, each unique pose.
- Carvers told not to repeat.
- Highest lion count on any Chinese stone bridge.
- Rivals the Marco Polo Bridge.
- Slow walk-and-look: 15-20 min.
Why 17 arches
The central (largest) arch represents the emperor; the eight arches on each side count down to nine and back to one, giving the count 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+8+7+6+5+4+3+2+1 = 81 (or 9x9). Nine is the highest imperial number; 9x9 is its maximal expression. The numerology says: the emperor at the centre, all other ranks arranged symmetrically around. Same principle as the 9 ridge animals on the Forbidden City's Hall of Supreme Harmony.
- 17 arches: 1+2+...9...+2+1 = 81 = 9x9.
- Central arch = emperor.
- Maximal imperial numerology.
- Same principle as FC's nine ridge animals.
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.
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; 544 unique carved stone lions on the balustrades.
- The central arch represents the emperor; counting from one side: 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+8+7+6+5+4+3+2+1 = 81 = 9x9, the maximal imperial number.
- 544 - each one unique, carved without repeating poses. Highest count on any Chinese stone bridge.
- 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 544 lions and the imperial numerology are the cultural highlight.
If photography is the priority, the photo-spots page covers the bridge angles in detail.