December 22, 2025 marked the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, and at Beijing’s famed Summer Palace, in the Chinese mainland, thousands of visitors gathered at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge to witness a centuries-old light show.
For two to three hours before sunset, the low-angle sun cast its golden glow across the arches of the bridge, creating a kaleidoscope of gold, ochre and amber. From the first glimmers spilling over the brickwork to the moment each arch was flooded with light, the scene felt almost magical—a living piece of history set against the frosty winter sky above Kunming Lake.
“Standing here, you can feel generations of observers who came before,” says a local guide. “It’s a reminder that even on our shortest day, nature has a way of inspiring hope.”
As night fell and the last rays disappeared, the crowd cheered. This annual phenomenon has long been a draw for travelers, photographers and culture lovers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences in the heart of the Chinese mainland. From today onward, daylight will slowly stretch longer—brightening mornings and evenings alike.
Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply chasing moments of wonder, events like these show how seasonal rituals connect us across time and borders. After all, the turning point of the year is a universal story—one that reminds us darkness is always temporary.
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Beijing's iconic Summer Palace bridge glows on winter solstice
cgtn.com
