Bridge of Sighs
Of all the beautiful things I saw in Beijing,
the most wonderful of all was this bridge.
Seventeen-arch Bridge (Shiqi Kong Qiao)
Built in 1750 during Emperor Qianlong's reign, this 150-meter long bridge links the east bank and South Lake Island. It is the longest bridge in any Chinese imperial garden and was named for its seventeen arches. Over 500 stone lions in different poses were carved on the posts of the bridge's railings. Four strange animals were carved at both ends of the bridge; strong and powerful, they are outstanding examples of Qing Dynasty stone carving skills.
Why do I look so serious!
My guides for this tour of the Summer Palace grounds: Fanchao (who didn't speak English), and her daughter (who did)
I could spend a whole day or more just photographing this bridge from different angles.
Definitive proof that I was there.
I think that I would like to go back to the Summer Palace, this time in the summer. But it would be a trade-off. It would probably be a lot more crowded than during my winter visit.
Beautiful posting again, thanks for sharing this part of your travels to China with us. A cold but enjoyable day by the looks of it.
This bridge is in deed inspiring by its architecture and makes me want to see more of its intricate carvings... You were mentioning how every lion carving was different, would you happen to have a few pictures of the lions too?
Thanks again for your posting, keep your smiles and namaste :)
No more pictures of the bridge or lions, but I have more of other parts of the Summer Palace grounds.
Here's my "mother and daughter" guides again:
Thanks, I look forward to seeing more of them... Namaste :)
Oh, wait. I found some more of the bridge and lions. Here's one:
And here's another:
The first picture on top is exquisite! I can almost see what it would look like with a sunrise or a sunset. Magnificent!! Thanks for sharing these extra doses of goodness my way. I'm blessed! Namaste :)
P.S.: The name of the sites are rather evocative of many meditation states of the sublime... Wow!
You want to climb up the Tower of Moonlit Ripples? or would you rather veg out in the Chamber of Heartfelt Contentment?
Gorgeous!
Unless you're as good with Photsohop as you are with the camera :)
Namaste!
I haven't got the faintest idea how to use photoshop. I would have to long distance call my nephew for anything like that lol.
Wow these are stunning pictures! I am glad to see that you enjoyed your time in Beijing! Makes me want to visit and soak in the sensations for myself! I'm happy that I stumbled upon your account! I will be sure to follow! Quick question. Was Beijing the city that was originally founded by Kublai Khan or was that a different city? Much respect my friend! ~Hratch
Here's what wikipedia says:
The city of Beijing has a long and rich history that dates back over 3,000 years.[10][11] Prior to the unification of China by the First Emperor in 221 BC, Beijing had been for centuries the capital of the ancient states of Ji and Yan. During the first millennia of imperial rule, Beijing was a provincial city in northern China. Its stature grew in the 10th to the 13th centuries when the nomadic Khitan and forest-dwelling Jurchen peoples from beyond the Great Wall expanded southward and made the city a capital of their dynasties, the Liao and Jin. When Kublai Khan made Dadu the capital of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty (1279–1368), all of China was ruled from Beijing for the first time. From 1279 onward, with the exception of two interludes from 1368 to 1420 and 1928 to 1949, Beijing would remain as China's capital, serving as the seat of power for the Ming dynasty (1421–1644), the Manchu-led Qing dynasty (1644–1912), the early Republic of China (1912–1928) and now the People's Republic of China (1949–present). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Beijing
Thanks for the explanation! Such an extensive and incredibly interesting history!
What a gorgeous place!
It really is. It radiates beauty the way the Forbidden City radiates power.
Beautiful ❤❤❤❤ bridges are so inspiring too
Very cool @onceupontime. I really like the ornaments on poles at your last photo. I've seen the same thing here.
Thank you!
That place is amazing! How long did you stay there?
Traffic was really bad that day (or maybe it's just always bad in Beijing) so I got there a little late and only stayed a couple of hours. Actually, the palace itself had already closed by the time I got to it (my guides and I toured most of the grounds first) so we didn't get to go inside. That's another reason I'll have to go back!
That place really looks like a great one to visit. You had a great trip even for a couple of hours!
Wow, that's pretty nice shots.
Certainly not something you see every day :)
Thanks for sharing!!
@onceuponatime - nice place! I've never been to China so thank you for taking us there.
So beautiful! Looks like a PRO Photography!