Broken Rainbow Bridge (Duanhongqiao)
Located west of the Gate of Supreme Harmony and east of the Hall of Martial Valor, the Broken Rainbow Bridge is the oldest and most exquisitely carved bridge in the Forbidden City.
The Broken Rainbow Bridge widens outward at both ends in a V-shape, paved with plain yet spacious white marble slabs.
On either side of the bridge, there are 20 marble pillars, with 10 on each side arranged in pairs. Each pillar features a carved lotus-patterned base with a string of pearls, topped by uniquely sculpted stone lions. These lions, some accompanied by cubs, total 34 in number.
Between the pillars, 18 stone panels are embedded. The upper sections feature openwork carvings of lotus flowerpots, while the lower sections depict intricate reliefs of two dragons chasing each other through swirling clouds and mist. The dragons are finely detailed, with the front dragon playfully looking back to tease the one behind, which is depicted breathlessly pursuing it.
At both ends of the bridge stand four mythical stone beasts resembling lions but with a single horn on their heads. These creatures have muscular, robust bodies with flowing manes that resemble cascading waterfalls. Their eyes are wide and focused, with whiskers floating beside their cheeks. Their sharp claws and prominent joints give them a powerful stance as they crouch on bases carved with water waves, seemingly holding up the railings with all their might.
On the bridge's east side, the fourth lion from the south has a peculiar posture: one paw touches the back of its head, the other rests on its belly, and its mouth is slightly agape. It is said that this lion was covered because it reminded Emperor Daoguang (1782-1850) of his deceased eldest son, Yiwei (1808-1831), who had tragically died after being kicked by the emperor in a fit of anger due to his rebellious behavior towards his tutor. Overcome with grief, Emperor Daoguang ordered the lion to be covered with red cloth to spare himself the painful memory.
It is believed that the Broken Rainbow Bridge was originally the central one of three bridges that stood in front of the main gate of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) imperial palace. When the Forbidden City's construction began in 1406, the bridge was incorporated into the new complex. The name "Broken Rainbow Bridge" originates from ancient palace architectural conventions, where a single bridge was referred to as a "rainbow". This bridge was formed by retaining the central "rainbow" while removing the other two from the original three-bridge structure, hence the name "Broken Rainbow".
The bridge is also known as the "Bridge of Lost Souls". Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), imperial maids chosen for burial with a deceased emperor would cross this bridge to exit the Forbidden City, thus becoming "lost souls." Another tale claims that officials sentenced to death were escorted across the Broken Rainbow Bridge to be executed outside the Meridian Gate. Before crossing, they could request a final meal and walk freely, but once they stepped onto the bridge, they were bound and taken away, never to return.
Enter through the Meridian Gate, turn left to the West Wing, and walk right. The Broken Rainbow Bridge is just ahead. The entire walk takes approximately 6 minutes.
Further Reading:
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What does the Broken Rainbow Bridge look like?
The Broken Rainbow Bridge widens outward at both ends in a V-shape, paved with plain yet spacious white marble slabs.
On either side of the bridge, there are 20 marble pillars, with 10 on each side arranged in pairs. Each pillar features a carved lotus-patterned base with a string of pearls, topped by uniquely sculpted stone lions. These lions, some accompanied by cubs, total 34 in number.
Between the pillars, 18 stone panels are embedded. The upper sections feature openwork carvings of lotus flowerpots, while the lower sections depict intricate reliefs of two dragons chasing each other through swirling clouds and mist. The dragons are finely detailed, with the front dragon playfully looking back to tease the one behind, which is depicted breathlessly pursuing it.
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At both ends of the bridge stand four mythical stone beasts resembling lions but with a single horn on their heads. These creatures have muscular, robust bodies with flowing manes that resemble cascading waterfalls. Their eyes are wide and focused, with whiskers floating beside their cheeks. Their sharp claws and prominent joints give them a powerful stance as they crouch on bases carved with water waves, seemingly holding up the railings with all their might.
The Legend of the Covered Lion
On the bridge's east side, the fourth lion from the south has a peculiar posture: one paw touches the back of its head, the other rests on its belly, and its mouth is slightly agape. It is said that this lion was covered because it reminded Emperor Daoguang (1782-1850) of his deceased eldest son, Yiwei (1808-1831), who had tragically died after being kicked by the emperor in a fit of anger due to his rebellious behavior towards his tutor. Overcome with grief, Emperor Daoguang ordered the lion to be covered with red cloth to spare himself the painful memory.
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When & Why Built – Broken Rainbow Bridge History
It is believed that the Broken Rainbow Bridge was originally the central one of three bridges that stood in front of the main gate of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) imperial palace. When the Forbidden City's construction began in 1406, the bridge was incorporated into the new complex. The name "Broken Rainbow Bridge" originates from ancient palace architectural conventions, where a single bridge was referred to as a "rainbow". This bridge was formed by retaining the central "rainbow" while removing the other two from the original three-bridge structure, hence the name "Broken Rainbow".
The bridge is also known as the "Bridge of Lost Souls". Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), imperial maids chosen for burial with a deceased emperor would cross this bridge to exit the Forbidden City, thus becoming "lost souls." Another tale claims that officials sentenced to death were escorted across the Broken Rainbow Bridge to be executed outside the Meridian Gate. Before crossing, they could request a final meal and walk freely, but once they stepped onto the bridge, they were bound and taken away, never to return.
Getting There
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| Map of Broken Rainbow Bridge (Duanhong Bridge) |
Enter through the Meridian Gate, turn left to the West Wing, and walk right. The Broken Rainbow Bridge is just ahead. The entire walk takes approximately 6 minutes.
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- Last updated on Jan. 15, 2026 by Jally Zhang -