The Seventeen-Arch Bridge over Kunming Lake, Beijing Summer Palace, China

© Jia Wang/Getty Image

Seventeen arches at sunset

When it's winter solstice time in the Northern Hemisphere, the setting sun shines under the Seventeen-Arch Bridge at the Summer Palace in Beijing, causing this romantic glow. In the 18th century, during the Qing dynasty of China, the Qianlong Emperor ordered the construction of this collection of gardens, lakes, and various structures, including temples and small palaces. These days, it's one of Beijing's premier attractions and sure to be crowded this time of year, with visitors headed to the bridge in time for sunset.