Home : Beijing Attraction : Summer Palace:

Last Update : 2007-2-5 10:57:30

On the east bank of Kunming Lake, east of Seventeen-Arch Bridge, visitors may see a bronze ox. This bronze ox was made in 1755 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1368-1644). It is of the same size and vividness as a real one, which reflects the extraordinary craftsmanship of the foundry. The ox is nestled on a bluestone base carved with waves, and looks into the landscape with his head raised and his eyes shining. The inscription engraved in his back was written by Emperor Qianlong and has not deteriorated at all despite its age. The inscription is comprised of eighty characters, explaining the story of this bronze ox. Emperor Qianlong placed it at the bank of the lake in hope that it can restrain a potential flood brought by the Kunming Lake and bring infinite blessing to both the garden and the nearby dwellers.