Wanning Bridge
Good to know
- Best time to go
- April–June, September–October
- Budget
- $
- Accessibility
- limited
- Coordinates
- Open in maps
An ancient stone bridge on the old central axis near the drum tower, spanning the channel that links the northern lakes to the former palace moat. Dating in origin to the Yuan dynasty, it once regulated the waterway that carried grain barges into the heart of the capital. Carved stone water-beasts perched on the embankments still watch over the channel, marking historic water levels. Restoration has reopened views of the old span and its guardian sculptures, rewarding a short detour in the lake district.