What if this bridge could talk? The Baliqiao or Eight Li Bridge stands before us. It is a silent witness to centuries of Beijing’s history.
Baliqiao marks a spot eight li from Tongzhou. A li is a Chinese mile. It once stood as the outer edge of Beijing’s Imperial City. Beyond it lay the Zhili province.
Imagine emperors of old. They would travel out from the Imperial City. Here at Baliqiao, they’d rest in a small palace. They changed from elaborate robes to simpler travel clothes. On return, the process reversed ensuring their grand entrance back into the city.
The canal under Baliqiao connects to the Summer Palace. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty started his boat tours to the Jiangnan region from here. Think of the lavish boats. Picture the emperor setting off on his journey.
But Baliqiao has seen conflict too. The Battle of Baliqiao took place here in 1860 during the Second Opium War. A combined Anglo-French force clashed with a large Chinese army. The Chinese suffered heavy losses. The battle led to the invasion of Beijing. The French commander was even titled Count of Palikao.
It was also at Baliqiao that Chinese officials accepted demands. The British and French wanted reparations and diplomats in Beijing. This bridge was at the center of these pivotal moments.
Today, Baliqiao stands at the junction of Chaoyang and Tongzhou. A subway station serves the area. An expressway rushes by.
Look closely. A pavilion protects stelae. These stelae bear Emperor Qianlong’s calligraphy.
Sadly, the temple and palace are gone. But archaeologists hope to explore the site soon.
Time has taken its toll. Graffiti mars the marble. Some lion sculptures are damaged. But plans are underway. A new bridge will divert traffic. Restoration will follow. Access will be for pedestrians only. A museum is also planned. Baliqiao will regain its former glory.
Baliqiao is more than just a bridge. It connects us to Beijing’s past. Emperors, battles, and treaties have shaped its story. This bridge will continue to stand. It will hopefully remind us of the flow of time. It will symbolize the changes that Beijing has undergone.