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

Seventeen arches at sunset

When it's winter solstice time (shortest day and longest night of the year) in the Northern Hemisphere, the setting sun shines under the Seventeen-Arch Bridge of the Summer Palace in Beijing, causing this romantic glow. In the 18th century, during the reign of the Qing dynasty of China, Emperor Qinglong ordered the construction of this 1.8 square kilometre collection of gardens, lakes, and various structures including temples and small palaces. It's one of Beijing's premier attractions and will be crowded today with visitors headed to the bridge in time for sunset.