Jade Belt Bridge, Stone footbridge in Summer Palace, Beijing, China

The Jade Belt Bridge is a stone footbridge with a single arch spanning a water inlet of Kunming Lake, reaching about 8.7 meters in height. The curved structure connects the garden areas while allowing views across the water and surrounding plantings.

The Jade Belt Bridge was built between 1750 and 1764 under the Qianlong Emperor, in the style of rural bridges of southern China. It is the best known of the six bridges on the western shore of Kunming Lake. Its arch was sized to let the imperial dragon boat pass beneath on special occasions.

The bridge takes its name from its shape: a jade belt curving over the water. Its marble railings are carved with cranes and other animals, and the arch was raised high enough for the Qianlong Emperor's dragon boat to pass beneath on ceremonial trips along the lake inlet.

The bridge carries the western shore path of Kunming Lake, so it is crossed on foot as part of a lakeside walk. The walkway rises steeply to the crown of the arch and the parapet is low, with carved finials along its posts. The stone surface is worn smooth, and the steps and slope become slick in rain or snow.

The semicircular design served a practical purpose by providing enough clearance for imperial dragon boats to pass underneath. This feature made the crossing a key part of the emperor and empress's water journeys around the garden.