The construction process of the 17-hole Bridge in the Summer Palace reflects the exquisite skills and infinite wisdom of the ancient craftsmen. The following is a detailed introduction to its construction process:
First, bridge structure
The 17-Kong Bridge is a combined arch stone bridge with a total length of 150 meters, 14.6 meters wide under the bridge floor, 6.56 meters wide above the bridge floor, and 7 meters high. The bridge body is composed of seventeen voucher holes, the largest hole in the middle, the aperture is about 11 meters, and the two sides are gradually smaller to form a symmetrical distribution. This design is not only beautiful, but also enhances the stability of the bridge, giving the bridge a strong sense of rhythm and rhythm.
Second, building materials
The main construction material of the 17-hole bridge is stone. The bridge body is made of solid stone, and the bridge floor is paved with smooth SLATE. These stones have been carefully selected and processed to ensure the robustness and beauty of the bridge.
Third, construction technology
Arch design: The arch design of the 17-hole bridge is unique, and each arch has been carefully calculated and constructed to ensure the load-bearing capacity and stability of the bridge. The shape and size of the arch are carefully designed, both in accordance with the principles of mechanics, but also take into account the aesthetic.
Sculpture art: The bridge bars of the 17-hole Bridge are beautifully carved, showing the exquisite skills of ancient craftsmen. There are 544 stone lions in different forms carved on the bridge column. These stone lions hug mother and son, or play and play, or stare into the distance, as if each one has its own story and soul. In addition to the stone lions, there are four stone beasts at both ends of the bridge. They are mighty and brave, guarding the ancient bridge.
Construction techniques: In the construction process, ancient craftsmen used advanced construction techniques, such as the precise cutting and splicing of stones, the laying and fixing of arches, etc. The use of these techniques ensured the robustness and stability of the bridge, while also showing the wisdom and talent of the ancient craftsmen.
Fourth, symbolic meaning
The construction of the 17-hole Bridge not only reflects the exquisite skills of the ancient craftsmen, but also contains rich symbolic significance. In traditional Chinese culture, “nine” is regarded as the number of extreme Yang, which is the favorite auspicious number of feudal emperors. The big hole in the middle of the 17-hole bridge is exactly “nine” from both ends of the bridge, reflecting the royal family’s pursuit of auspicious meanings. In addition, the homonym of “nine” is “long”, meaning that the country will last forever.
Fifth, historical changes
Seventeen Holes Bridge was built in the fifteenth year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1750), and has a history of more than 200 years. In this long period of time, it has witnessed the rise and fall of the Summer Palace, and also carried the poems of countless literati. Despite weathering erosion and war damage, the 17 Confucius Bridge still stands and has become one of the most representative scenic spots in the Summer Palace.
