“Count the lions”. That’s the challenge I give you as we approach the magnificent Marco Polo Bridge, also known as Lugou Bridge. This bridge isn’t just a way to cross the Yongding River. It’s a journey through time.
The Marco Polo Bridge stands southwest of Tiananmen. It is a testament to both artistic beauty and historical significance. Imagine Marco Polo himself, centuries ago, marveling at this very structure. He described it as a stunning bridge. His words helped give the bridge its famous name.
Construction on this site began in 1189 and finished in 1192. The bridge was later reconstructed in 1698. The Marco Polo Bridge stretches 874 feet long and 30.5 feet wide. It is supported by 281 pillars. Each pillar proudly displays a stone lion.
Now, about those lions. Each large lion has smaller lions hiding on it. They might be on its head, back, under its belly, or on its paws. Over time, people have tried to count them. The numbers vary from 482 to 496. Records suggest there were originally 627 lions. The posture and age of each lion are different. Most lions date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Some are from the Yuan Dynasty. The Jin Dynasty lions are rare now.
At each end of the Marco Polo Bridge, you’ll see four ornamental columns. They stand 15 feet high. White marble steles stand nearby. One stele records the reconstruction by Emperor Kangxi in 1698. The other stele features calligraphy by Emperor Qianlong. It reads ‘Morning moon over Lugou’. For 700 years, this bridge has been a scenic spot in Beijing.
The Marco Polo Bridge is an architectural masterpiece built of solid granite. A large central arch is flanked by ten smaller ones. Triangular iron pillars protect each of the ten piers from floods and ice.
Beyond its beauty, the Marco Polo Bridge marks a crucial point in history. It is the site of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
As you stand on this bridge, think about the countless feet that have crossed it. Think about the history it has witnessed. Consider the artistry in each carved lion. The Marco Polo Bridge is more than just a bridge. It is a symbol of China’s enduring spirit.