Across the Lugou Bridge we stand. Its ancient stones whisper tales of emperors and invaders. This isn’t just any bridge. The Lugou Bridge in Beijing holds a pivotal place in Chinese history.
Completed in 1192 it’s a testament to the ingenuity of the Jin Dynasty. Imagine the countless hands that shaped its granite arches. The bridge withstood floods and wars. Its 11 arches elegantly span the Yongding River. Or did they? A curious fact many miss is the seemingly extra arch. Each end abutment doesn’t count as a pier. So the 11 arches and 10 piers are actually 12 piers and 11 arches.
Marco Polo himself praised its beauty. His words brought fame to this elegant structure. He described it as having few equals in the world. The bridge became known as the Marco Polo Bridge in the West. But its Chinese name Lugou Bridge means Lu Ditch Bridge. It’s named after the former name of the Yongding River. The bridge carries a deeper significance.
The Lugou Bridge Incident of 1937 unfolded here. This event ignited the Second Sino-Japanese War. The first shots of the nationwide resistance against Japanese aggression rang out on this very bridge. The echoes of that conflict still resonate.
Over 500 stone lions adorn the bridge. These lions aren’t just decorative. They are artistic marvels. Each one varies in posture and age. Some date back to the Yuan Dynasty. Others are from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Even a few from the Jin Dynasty remain. The exact number of lions remains a mystery. Estimates range from 482 to 501. Records indicate there were once 627. Look closely. You might find a few hidden on others.
Two stelae stand proudly at the bridge’s ends. One records the bridge’s 1698 reconstruction under the Kangxi Emperor. The other bears calligraphy from the Qianlong Emperor. It reads Morning moon over Lugou.
For eight centuries Lugou Bridge has been a Beijing landmark. A symbol of resilience and a breathtaking work of art. Today it stands as a testament to China’s enduring past. A reminder of its strength and a gateway to a deeper understanding of its history.