Jinshui Bridge

金水桥

The Jinshui Bridge is located in the Forbidden City in Dongcheng District. It is a series of five parallel single-arched white marble bridges. The three-arched white marble bridge across the Jinshui River in front of Tiananmen Square is the Outer Jinshui Bridge. The blueprint of the Jinshui Bridge came from the Zhou Bridge in the Yuan Dynasty. The designer and builder of the Zhou Bridge was an ordinary stonemason, Yang Qiong from Quyang, Hebei Province in the Yuan Dynasty. Quyang is rich in jade, and its stone carving skills have been famous since the Tang and Song Dynasties.

Introduction

Attraction Location: "Inside the Forbidden City, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China (北京市东城区故宫博物院内金水桥)"
History: The Golden Water Bridge was built during the Ming Dynasty (1420) as part of the grand imperial architecture of the Forbidden City. It served both a symbolic and practical purpose, carrying the imperial moat over a small waterway leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿).
Architecture: The bridge is composed of five arched stone spans, each decorated with dragon motifs and imperial symbols. The central span is the largest and symbolically reserved for the emperor. The bridge reflects Ming Dynasty stone craftsmanship, combining functionality with grandeur.
Cultural Value: Golden Water Bridge represents imperial authority and is a classic example of Chinese bridge architecture. It is frequently photographed because of its reflection over the moat, symbolizing harmony and majesty in Chinese culture.
Other Information: The bridge is flanked by decorative stone balustrades and features intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and clouds. It is part of the main ceremonial route leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where important rituals and coronations were held.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours: "8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (April–October)
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (November–March)"
Ticket Price: "Entrance to Forbidden City: 60–100 RMB (varies by season)
Golden Water Bridge is included in general admission"
Best Photo Spots: "From the south end looking north toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony, from the side capturing reflection in the water, and from the bridge itself capturing dragon carvings."
Time Reference: "Early morning or late afternoon offers best lighting and fewer tourists. Winter sunlight creates warm tones on the stone."
Other Info: Avoid crowded weekends if you want unobstructed photos. Guided tours provide historical context for carvings and ceremonial usage.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

Luxury: "The Peninsula Beijing (北京王府半岛酒店)
Rosewood Beijing (北京瑰丽酒店)"
Mid-range: "Beijing Hotel NUO (北京诺金酒店)
Legendale Hotel Beijing (北京朗丽兹酒店)"
Budget & Boutique: "Peking Garden Hostel (北京庭院青年旅舍)
Beijing 161 Hostel (北京161客栈)"

What & Where to Eat

Must-Try Dishes: "Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
Zhajiangmian – Beijing-style noodles (炸酱面)
Imperial-style dumplings (宫廷饺子)"
Famous Spots: "Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (全聚德烤鸭店)
Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant (大董烤鸭店)
Haidilao Hotpot near Dongcheng District (海底捞火锅东城区店)"

What Souvenirs to Buy

Miniature models of the Forbidden City, dragon carvings, traditional Chinese fans, imperial-themed postcards, calligraphy sets, and stone carving replicas.

Transportation

Subway: Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (天安门东) or Tiananmen West Station (天安门西), then walk 10–15 min to the south entrance of the Forbidden City.
Bus: Buses 1, 52, 82, 120, 126, 607 stop near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City entrances.
Taxi/Rideshare: Ask driver for “Forbidden City South Gate (故宫南门)” or “Meridian Gate (午门)”.
Walking: From Tiananmen Square to Meridian Gate, then cross to Golden Water Bridge inside the Forbidden City grounds.

Nearby Attractions

Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿) – 0.1 km, walk north across Golden Water Bridge
Tiananmen Square (天安门广场) – 1 km south, walk or short taxi ride
National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆) – 1.2 km south, walk or short taxi ride

Tips for Visitors

Golden Water Bridge is inside the Forbidden City; admission ticket is required.
Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Wear comfortable shoes; the bridge and Forbidden City have stone pavements.
Photography is allowed, but tripods may be restricted in busy areas.
Take a guided tour to learn about historical significance and symbolism of carvings.
Winter may be cold and sunny; dress in layers.
Respect barriers; some carvings are delicate and not to be touched.

Recommended Itineraries

Route 1 (Half-Day Cultural Walk):
D1: Enter Forbidden City via Meridian Gate (午门) → Cross Golden Water Bridge (金水桥) → Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿) → Continue north to Hall of Mental Cultivation (养心殿)
Transportation: Walking
Route 2 (Full-Day Beijing Highlights):
D1: Tiananmen Square (天安门广场) → Enter Forbidden City South Gate → Golden Water Bridge (金水桥) → Visit Halls inside Forbidden City → Exit north → Jingshan Park (景山公园)
Transportation: Walking, short taxi optional
Route 3 (2-Day Beijing Historical Tour):
D1: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Golden Water Bridge → National Museum of China
D2: Temple of Heaven (天坛) → Lama Temple (雍和宫) → Hutong walk in Dongcheng District
Transportation: Walking, subway lines 1 and 5, short taxi rides

User Reviews

By Better me |

In the winter, the leaves in the Forbidden City have all fallen and frost has formed on the Jinshui River.

The biting cold wind blew wildly, and the sudden drop in temperature did not affect our enthusiasm for the Forbidden City.

By zhm_jinan |

The attractions in the Forbidden City are must-see attractions as a world heritage site.

By Chinese Eagle |

The Inner Jinshui Bridge is located on the Jinshui River in the square in front of the Taihe Gate in the Forbidden City. It is a series of five parallel single-arch white marble bridges.

By Swirling Water |

The Jinshui Bridge is one of the five bridges you see when you enter the Forbidden City. The documentary "Forbidden City 100" gives a very detailed account of it, which is very interesting. In ancient times, the royal family stipulated which people could only walk on which bridge, but now you can walk on whichever bridge you like.

By 1128 Farther than the sky |

The water at the Jinshui Bridge is frozen! It must be quite cold.

By The mountains remain |

The Jinshui Bridge in front of the Forbidden City is symmetrical.

By Martian User |

There is a fence and you can't go up. The night view is still very beautiful.

By I am free |

The heart of the motherland is magnificent. I feel very excited standing here.

By Mantou |

I got up early at that time, and wanted to be the first passenger to enter the Beijing city gate. I took some photos while waiting outside. Hahaha, my skills are limited. It looks much better in person than in the photos.

By Shirley Sydney Jam |

Snow falls on Jinshui Bridge, and time seems to stand still

By Fat Dad |

Everyone knows the Jinshui Bridge, the only way to enter the Forbidden City.

The armed police soldiers on the bridge always stand so straight, never moving!

By WALL-E |

Looking at the Jinshui River and Jinshui Bridge from the center angle on the Meridian Gate, they are like five arrows on a bow. They do not have such momentum when viewed from a straight line.