果庄一号桥

Gazing at Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, one can almost hear the echoes of history. This magnificent stone structure, 15 km southwest of Beijing’s city center, spans the Yongding River. Marco Polo himself lauded the bridge during his 13th-century travels. He declared it to have “very few equals in the world.” The bridge earned its European name, “Marco Polo Bridge,” from this very praise. Lugou Bridge began its life in 1189 under Emperor Shizong of Jin. It was completed in 1192. The Kangxi Emperor oversaw its reconstruction in 1698 after flood damage. Lugou Bridge stretches an impressive 266.5 meters long and 9.3 meters wide. Eleven arches grace its length, supported by ten piers. The bridge is not just a marvel of engineering, but a canvas of art. Hundreds of stone lions, each unique, line its sides. These lions, from various dynasties, create a playful mystery. Look closely. Smaller lions hide on the larger ones, making a precise count a delightful challenge. Records suggest a staggering original count of 627 lions. At either end of Lugou Bridge, four ornamental columns rise 4.65 meters high, sentinels of time. A stele atop a stone tortoise commemorates the Kangxi Emperor’s reconstruction. Another stele, graced by the Qianlong Emperor’s calligraphy, captures the poetic essence of the location: “Morning moon over Lugou”. Sadly, the Yongding River often runs dry beneath the bridge today. Yet, Lugou Bridge continues to inspire. Its resilience through floods and conflicts mirrors the enduring spirit of China itself. The Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, which marked the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War, forever etched the bridge into world history. However, Lugou Bridge stands as a symbol of more than just conflict. It embodies art, history, and engineering prowess. It stands as a testament to a timeless connection between past and present.