Yinding Bridge

Yinding Bridge

Yinding Bridge is located on the waterway between Qianhai (Front Lake) and Houhai (Back Lake) in Shichahai, Xicheng District. It is a single-arch stone bridge oriented from north to south, nicknamed Yinding (Silver Ingot) Bridge because of its resemblance to a silver ingot. It is one of the scenic highlights of Shichahai and also one of the "Eight Lesser Sights of Yanjing." In the past, visitors could enjoy a distant view of the Western Hills from the bridge, hence the view was named "Viewing the Western Hills from Yinding Bridge."

The front of the bridge is inscribed with three bold, regular-script Chinese characters “Yinding Qiao” (Yinding Bridge), handwritten by the late Shan Shiyuan, former vice director of the Palace Museum. The characters are neat and powerful, covered in verdant green, blending harmoniously with the surrounding blue waters, tall poplars, and willows. Beneath the bridge, the water shimmers with golden light, while willow trees line the banks, lush and vibrant. Historic residences and a dense network of hutongs surround the bridge, exuding an old-world charm. The upturned eaves of hidden mansions and temples peek through the dense foliage, and nearby are the former residences of notable figures such as Soong Ching-ling and Guo Moruo, all contributing to an atmosphere of refined tranquility. Though not large in structure, Yinding Bridge is the crowning jewel of the Shichahai area.

Yinding Bridge

This is a single-arch stone bridge. Although the blue-white stone railings appear somewhat rough, the overall effect is quite pleasing. The exact date of the bridge’s initial construction is unknown, but given its location, this is the only spot between the western end of Houhai and the southern end of Qianhai where a bridge could be built to allow passage.

On both sides of the bridge, Qianhai and Houhai still ripple with blue waters, where streets and pedestrian flows converge. The bridgehead has become bustling, with locals and tourists stopping to take photos. By the bridge stands that weathered Taihu rock, and on the bridge’s side railings, the bold regular-script characters “Yinding Bridge,” inscribed by Shan Shiyuan, remain clearly visible. The sight stirs genuine emotion. All the beautiful scenery of Houhai seems to extend and expand from the bridge, above and below. Viewed from above, Xihai (West Lake)–Houhai–Qianhai resemble three sections of an exquisitely clean lotus root, and Yinding Bridge is the connecting node, situated at the narrowest point between Qianhai and Houhai. Standing on the bridge, one’s vision suddenly opens up—blue waters reflect lotus flowers, willows sway gently, and the exquisite landscape unfolds before your eyes. With the lake as a backdrop, it’s truly a scene of poetic charm.

There are various theories about the origin of the bridge’s name. Some say the middle of the bridge is wide while the ends are narrow, resembling an upside-down large ingot, and since the bridge is built from white marble that looks silvery, it came to be called “Yinding Bridge” (Silver Ingot Bridge). Others say there are eight iron blocks on the bridge—four on the north side and four on the south side of the deck—called “swallowtail plates,” used to fasten the stone slabs together. Under sunlight, these eight “swallowtail plates” shine like silver ingots, hence the name. Yinding Bridge has a history of over 500 years. From a geographical standpoint, it is the only spot where a bridge could be built between the western end of Houhai and the southern end of Qianhai. Moreover, in earlier years, this four-to-five-meter-span arch bridge was considered the highest point in all of Shichahai. Legend has it that on a cloudless autumn day, one could faintly see Yuquan Mountain by looking northeast from the bridge—hence the name “Viewing the Western Hills from Yinding Bridge.” Truly, one cannot help but marvel at the imagination of the ancients.

Today, standing on Yinding Bridge, you can see the shimmering, golden waters beneath and the verdant willows along the banks up close. But the distant view of the Western Hills is no longer visible. This scene has been obscured by modern high-rises that have sprung up around. Faintly, instead of the hills, you now see the skyscrapers near Xizhimen. The so-called “Viewing the Western Hills from Yinding Bridge” has become more of a legend.

Elders love Yinding Bridge, and so do the young. It’s said that any couple who walks hand in hand across the bridge will be bound by love for life. Thus, Yinding Bridge is also known as the “Bridge of Love.” In days gone by, many young men and women strolled along the riverbanks, and at moments of mutual affection, they would cross Yinding Bridge hand in hand, thus beginning a brilliant new chapter in their lives.

People adore Yinding Bridge. Tourists linger on the new Yinding Bridge, taking photos with this “old friend” they hadn’t seen in half a year. Even the pedicab drivers have gotten back to their “proper ways,” slowly pedaling onto the bridge and animatedly introducing Yinding Bridge and its interesting anecdotes to visitors.

Yinding Bridge is just Yinding Bridge. Though it has witnessed countless years go by, its stories continue to unfold. The cultural depth exuded in its every detail deeply enchants you.

Standing on the bridge and gazing westward, you see the shimmering waters of Shichahai. A breeze blows in, and the crisp air of late autumn refreshes the lungs. The winding banks, lined with graceful weeping willows, remain as enchanting as ever. Yes, Yinding Bridge may not be large, but it is the crowning touch of the Shichahai area. The surroundings are filled with historic homes, dense hutongs, and an old-world vibe. As locals say, it is a place full of spirit.

Address: No. 75A, Yan Dai Xie Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing

Type: Bridge

Recommended visiting time: 10–20 minutes

Opening hours:

Open all day

Ticket information:

No admission fee.