Overview
The Marco Polo Bridge (Lugou Qiao) is a 266-meter stone arch bridge dating to 1192, famous for its 501 individually carved lion sculptures and for being praised by Marco Polo as 'the finest bridge in the world' in his 13th-century travels.
Highlights
- 501 Stone Lions: Each lion on the bridge's balustrades is unique, ranging from the size of a fist to several feet tall, carved over 800 years.
- Moon Reflections: The bridge is one of the 'Eight Great Sights of Old Beijing' — named for the reflections of the moon in the Yongding River on autumn nights.
- War Museum: The adjacent Museum of the War of Resistance Against Japan commemorates the July 7, 1937 incident that began the Second Sino-Japanese War.
History
Built in 1192 during the Jin dynasty, it was rebuilt in 1698. Marco Polo described its marble lions and arches in 1276. On July 7, 1937, a skirmish here escalated into the full-scale Japanese invasion of China.
Visitor Tips
- War Museum: Allow extra time for the comprehensive museum detailing China's WWII resistance.
- Getting There: Located 15 km southwest of central Beijing; take the subway to Dawayao and then a short taxi.
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours.