Picturesque Bridge in China Creates Serenely Symmetrical Reflection in Water

Leshan Bridge at the Mount Emei Scenic Area in Sichuan, China

Photo: Stock Photos from Shanshan0312/Shutterstock

If you look at this photo and start humming Simon and Garfunkel, no one would blame you. This picturesque bridge, which is located in south Sichuan, is a beautifully constructed piece of architecture that marries form and function. It is part of the Mount Emei Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the world's largest Buddha. It should come as no surprise that this a hot spot for tourists from all over the world to capture a snapshot of the bridge and its serene reflection in the waters just below.

Mount Emei is of great historical significance because China's first Buddhist temple was built there in the first century CE. The extraordinary Giant Buddha of Leshan was carved from the side of the mountain in the 8th century to overlook the intersection of three rivers. Standing 233 feet tall (71 meters), the creation of the Buddha is a stunning achievement of ancient history.

Often overshadowed by this iconic monument, the Haoshang Bridge is no less stunning. Located close to the Buddha, it connects two hills with temples and ancient tombs. The pedestrian bridge is a type of moon bridge, which is a design feature often seen in Chinese and Japanese gardens. Intentionally reflected in the water, it creates a calming circular shape.

The bridge, together with the Giant Buddha, are just some of the spectacular sites to behold at the Mount Emei Scenic Area. As one of four sacred Buddhist mountains in China, it has long been established as a protected area. This has allowed the trees, many of which date back 1,000 years, to thrive. Add to this the incredible amount of temples that have been added through the centuries and it's easy to see why travelers flock to the area in droves.

The Haoshang Bridge in Lenshan is considered to be one of China's most beautiful bridges.

Leshan Bridge at the Mount Emei Scenic Area in Sichuan, China

Photo: Stock Photos from PHOTOGRAPHER NAME/Shutterstock

It's located close to the world's largest Buddha statue, the Giant Buddha of Leshan.

Giant Buddha of Leshan in Sichuan

Photo: Stock Photos from JekLi/Shutterstock

These are just some of the many monuments that dot the lush Mount Emei Scenic Area.

Mount Emei in Sichuan, China

Photo: Stock Photos from Weiming Xie/Shutterstock

Get a bird's-eye view of the Haoshang Bridge and its surroundings in Leshan.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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