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.
Related Images
Wildflowers in bloom at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona
Winter at Isis Temple in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
At the top of Mount Fuji in Japan
Sandhill cranes taking flight over the Platte River near Kearney, Nebraska
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, China
Firefall at Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California
Midnight sun at North Cape, Norway
Paepalanthus flowers at sunset, Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Brazil
Bing Today Images
Dawn light through frosty trees, Sweden
Dec 21, 2025
Loisach River at Lake Kochelsee, Bavaria, Germany
Dec 21, 2024
For the winter solstice, Santa Fe's Farolito Walk
Dec 21, 2018
Eastern gray squirrel peeking out of its den
Dec 21, 2017
