The Lions and Dragons Arrive

The stone lion and dragons are installed at the base of the supporting pillars.

Preparing to install the stone paving around the base of the pillars.

Close up of lion and carved base. It is very hot and heavy work installing so much stone and concrete in plus 30 C weather.

Polished stone pavers cemented into place. With the final polishing of the pavers, the work of the Chinese artisans is almost finished. They return to China on Monday, before heading off to New Zealand for the next arch project.

Later, another cast of artisans arrive to apply 17 coats of paint to the exposed concrete parts of the arch. This will include paint with real gold in it.