Golden Twilight Magic: Beijing’s Ancient Bridge Stuns Visitors

As the winter solstice approaches, Beijing’s iconic Seventeen Arch Bridge transforms into a golden spectacle, with sunlight perfectly aligning through its 17 arches at sunset. This annual phenomenon at the Summer Palace merges ancient engineering brilliance with nature’s artistry, drawing crowds of travelers and Instagrammers alike!

Why It’s Lit

Built during the Qing Dynasty, the bridge showcases how architects literally calculated solar angles centuries ago – no GPS needed! The ‘golden nail’ effect (when light pierces all arches) lasts only 10-15 minutes daily around mid-December, making it a FOMO-worthy moment for photographers and history buffs.

Visitor Vibes

\"It’s like the past high-fiving the present,\" said Lin Wei, a local student who’s attended three times. International tourists are equally awed: \"I’ve never seen science and beauty collab this hard,\" laughed Marco Rossi, a traveler from Italy.

Pro Tip

Arrive early – the Summer Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) gets packed! Bonus: Nearby frozen Kunming Lake offers icy selfie opportunities .

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Twilight shines through famous Seventeen Arch Bridge in Beijing

cgtn.com