This impressive bridge with hundreds of lion sculptures has gained world fame as the site of a clash between Chinese and Japanese troops.
A walk over Marco Polo Bridge takes you back in time, in the footsteps of its namesake, the famous Venetian explorer. This huge granite bridge over the Yongding River is also known as the Lugou Bridge. It was first constructed in the late 12th century, even though the present bridge is only about three centuries old.
It’s easy to see why this structure caught the attention of Marco Polo, who praised it in his 13th-century travelogues. The original 1192 structure was washed away, but a reconstruction in 1698 saw its revival.
Present-day visitors come here to admire the beauty of the bridge and learn about its architectural and historical relevance. The bridge is 874 feet (266 metres) in length and has 11 arches, 10 piers and 281 pillars. This is the spot where Japanese and Chinese troops first exchanged fire in 1937, starting the second Sino-Japanese war.
Inspect the hundreds of elaborate stone lion carvings on the bridge. Each lion is different and some can be traced back to the Jin Dynasty of 1115-1234. Legend has it that the fierce creatures come alive at night.
Large stone monuments adorn each end of the bridge. One records the history of renovation of the bridge and the other features an inscription from Emperor Qianlong. Freely translated it reads: “The Moon over the Lugou at Dawn.” Carved stone elephants keeping guard at the both ends of the bridge.
After leaving the bridge, check out the nearby Wanping City Wall and free Sculpture Garden while you are in the area.
Marco Polo Bridge is situated in the Fengtai District and is nearly 10 miles (16 kilometres) southwest of Tiananmen Square in central Beijing. Take a bus to Kang Zhan Diao Su Yuan Station and walk from there or take a taxi to the bridge.
There is a small admission fee for the bridge and the opening hours are seasonal, with longer hours in summer.
