Golden Water Bridges

Golden Water Bridges are built across the Inner Golden Water River in the Inner City. Five bridges are located next to each other, have marble balustrades and are richly decorated with carvings depicting a dragon and a phoenix. They, according to the teachings of Confucius, represent five virtues: benevolence, justice, observance of rituals, intelligence and devotion. The central bridge was used only by the emperor. The two bridges were designed for members of the imperial family. The two most extreme bridges were for government officials.