Glimpse the Marco Polo Bridge, a silent witness to centuries of history. It stands 15 km southwest of Beijing’s city center. Also known as Lugou Bridge, it spans the Yongding River. The river was once called Heishui. Lu meant black in the local dialect. Thus, Heishui River became Lugou River. The bridge received the same name.
Construction began in 1189 and finished in 1192. This happened during the Jin Dynasty. Floods damaged the bridge. It was reconstructed in 1698 under the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi Emperor. Marco Polo praised the bridge in the 13th century. This made it famous in Europe.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred here. It marked the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937. On July 7, 1937, Japanese troops held a military exercise. They didn’t notify the Chinese. Shots rang out. Tensions soared. Japan used this as a pretext to attack Beijing.
The bridge is 266.5 meters long and 9.3 meters wide. Ten piers support eleven segmental arches. Hundreds of unique stone lions line both sides. People say, “the lions of the Lugou Bridge are too numerous to count.” They vary in appearance and age. Most lions date from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Some are from the Yuan Dynasty. The Jin Dynasty lions are rare.
Each of the ten piers has triangular iron pillars. These protect against floods and ice. The bridge is an architectural masterpiece made of granite. Large stone slabs bear calligraphy. One marks the bridge’s rebuilding. The other is an inscription by Emperor Qianlong. Stone elephants and lions guard each end. Originally, there were 627 lions.
The Wanping Fortress stands near the Marco Polo Bridge. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Bullet holes from 1937 mark the fortress. Inside is the Memorial Museum of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japan. It features multimedia displays of the war. A sculpture garden covers 22,500 square meters. It contains 38 bronze sculptures. These show Chinese national spirit and heroism.
The Marco Polo Bridge, a beautiful structure and significant historical site, invites reflection on China’s past. As you stand here, consider the weight of history beneath your feet. Remember the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Think of the countless lives affected. This bridge stands as a symbol. It represents resilience and remembrance.