Across the flowing Yongding River, the majestic Marco Polo Bridge stands. It’s more than just a bridge. It’s a pathway through centuries, a silent witness to history unfolding. Marco Polo himself, during his 13th-century travels, lauded its beauty. He declared it had “very few equals in the world.” The original structure, a testament to enduring craftsmanship, was started in 1189 during the Jin Dynasty. It was completed just a few years later in 1192. The bridge suffered damage from the unpredictable Yongding River, and later the Kangxi Emperor, during the Qing Dynasty, oversaw its reconstruction in 1698. The Marco Polo Bridge stretches an impressive 266.5 meters long and 9.3 meters wide. It’s supported by ten piers and eleven arches. Hundreds of stone lions, each unique, line the bridge. They are a captivating puzzle, with smaller lions often hidden on the larger ones. This has led to the local saying, “the lions of the Lugou Bridge are too numerous to count.” But the bridge is more than just a beautiful structure. It’s a pivotal point in history. The Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which ignited the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, forever etched its name into the annals of time. This event marked a turning point, a clash between nations that changed the course of history. Today, the Marco Polo Bridge stands as a symbol of resilience, a reminder of the past and a testament to human ingenuity.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to