As daylight wanes on 2025's winter solstice, Beijing's Summer Palace becomes the stage for one of East Asia's most breathtaking natural phenomena. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge, a 150-meter Qing Dynasty marvel, transforms into a gilded masterpiece when the setting sun aligns perfectly with its structure, casting fiery reflections across Kunming Lake's frozen surface.
This annual spectacle, occurring between December 21-23, draws photographers and cultural enthusiasts alike. "The light appears to physically pour through each arch like liquid gold," described Malaysian tourist Li Wei, who secured his viewing spot three hours early.
Chinese Academy of Sciences astrophysicist Dr. Zhang Ying explains: "The bridge's 150-degree east-southeast orientation interacts with the sun's 23.5-degree southern declination during solstice. Combined with the lake's reflective properties, it creates this unique optical phenomenon."
While the full illumination lasts mere minutes, visitors can observe changing light patterns from 3:00 PM until sunset. Palace authorities have extended visiting hours through December 23 to accommodate increased interest in this blend of ancient architecture and celestial mechanics.
