Life Overseas

Harking back to another time, the Seventeen Arch Bridge stands as a reminder of China’s long and proud history. Constructed in between 1711 and 1799, the bridge measures to be 8 metres wide and 150 metres long making it one of the most impressive sights you’ll see in the area. The bridge also forms the only connection to Nanhu Island from the mainland.

Reading about the dimensions of the bridge can never truly convey how grand this structure really is. This is a fact that visitors must learn firsthand when they catch a glimpse of the bridge for themselves. Seventeen Arch Bridge features a curved or rainbow shaped form that stretches across the river while running underneath it are the 17 symmetrical arches of its namesake.

The bridge is decorated with a staggering 544 carved lions set on marble balustrades that are passed by on your way to the other side. This number of statues has led some to state that no other bridge in China features as many stone lions as Seventeen Arch Bridge. Even more impressive is the fact that these are not merely the same figure in repetition but are actually unique figures with different expressions making your journey across an eventful one. On either end of the bridge visitors will find a large statue of a bizarre creature to greet them.

The concept of the bridge isn’t unique, however, the entire structure has been designed to mimic a similar bridge called the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing which is a popular structure amongst both locals and tourists alike.

When visiting the capital, guests have a choice of Beijing hotels in various locations catering to different needs. China World Hotel Beijing offers guests a Beijing hotel that is located right in the central business district providing convenient access to transport options.