Over the Yongding River stands the magnificent Marco Polo Bridge. Also known as Lugou Bridge its history stretches back centuries. Construction began in 1189 finishing in 1192. This wasn’t the bridge you see today though. Flooding caused damage. Emperor Kangxi ordered a reconstruction in 1698.
The bridge is famous for its intricate stone lions. Hundreds line its railings. Some say there are 482. Others claim 496. Records show there were originally 627. Each lion is unique. Their postures vary. Their ages differ too. Most date from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A few are from the Yuan Dynasty. Some even survive from the Jin Dynasty. These are very rare.
Marco Polo himself praised the bridge. He described it as stunning in his book. This earned the bridge its other name. The bridge isn’t just beautiful. It’s an architectural marvel. Solid granite forms its structure. A large central arch dominates the design. Ten smaller arches flank it. Triangular iron pillars protect the piers. They prevent damage from floods and ice.
Two steles stand at the bridge ends. One records Emperor Kangxi’s reconstruction. The other bears calligraphy by his grandson Emperor Qianlong. It reads ‘Morning moon over Lugou’. For 700 years this bridge has been a scenic spot.
The Marco Polo Bridge witnessed history. The Marco Polo Bridge Incident marked the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937. The bridge is more than a structure. It’s a symbol of resilience. It connects past and present. The Marco Polo Bridge stands as a testament to time. A remarkable piece of engineering. A symbol of Beijing itself.