Lugou Bridge

Lugou Bridge, known as Marco Polo Bridge, is located

The Lugou Bridge is located on the main road leading to Beijing from the west. It was formerly the only gateway for overland traffic between Beijing and south China. It was initially built in the 29th year under the reign of Da Ding of the Jin Dynasty (1189) with the name of Guangli Bridge at that time, and later rebuilt in the 37th year under the reign of Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty (1698). It is a large stone bridge rested on 11 arches with the length of 266.5 metres and the width of 9.3 metres. Bridge piers are boat shaped to be helpful for water passage. The bridge is advanced in design and exquisite in workmanship.

Architectural decoration of the bridge is distinctive. Bridge parapet consists of 281 1.5-metre-high balusters and boards. On each baluster stands a big stone lion, and at each possible place of every big lion body there is a small lion. They are all in different postures. How many big and small lions are there altogether? Local people say, 'They are countless'. According to investigations, there are 489 lions totally. However, it isn't an exact number yet. At the east end of Lugou Bridge there is a pavilion housing a stele with the inscription of 'Morning moon over Lugou' written by Emperor Qian Long. This scene has been known as one of 'eight best views in Beijing' since as early as the Jin Dynasty. In his Travels, Marco Polo described that "There is not a bridge in the world to compare with it."

To the east of the Lugou Bridge is Wanping county seat. It was here that the war of resistance against Japan was ignited due to the occurrence of Lugou Bridge Incident on July 7, 1937. Bullet holes in the walls are still visible. Now, the county seat of Wanping has become a monument of great historical significance, where you can visit the Anti-Japanese War Memorial, the Cemetrey of Martyrs in Anti-Japanese War, the July 7 Incident Memorial, and the China Ancient Bridges Museum.