“How many lions do you think there are?” That’s the riddle often posed when one first encounters the Marco Polo Bridge. This bridge also known as Lugou Bridge stands as a testament to both artistic achievement and historical significance.
Today we find ourselves before the magnificent Marco Polo Bridge. It is located just southwest of Beijing’s city center. This stone structure spans the Yongding River. The river is a major tributary of the Hai River.
Construction of the original Marco Polo Bridge began in 1189. It finished in 1192. The bridge suffered damage from flooding. It was later reconstructed in 1698 under the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty.
The Marco Polo Bridge gained international fame thanks to Marco Polo himself. During his 13th-century visit to China, the Venetian traveler praised the bridge. He described it as a very fine stone bridge with few equals in the world. This glowing review led to its becoming known in Europe simply as the Marco Polo Bridge.
The Marco Polo Bridge is not only known for its beauty. It also carries significant historical weight. In 1937, the Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred here. This incident marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
The Marco Polo Bridge stretches 266.5 meters in length and 9.3 meters in width. It features 11 segmental arches supported by 10 piers. Each pier has triangular iron pillars. These pillars protect against flood and ice damage.
Perhaps the most captivating feature of the Marco Polo Bridge is its hundreds of stone lions. They line both sides. These aren’t just any lions. Each one is artistically unique. They come from different eras. Look closely. You might spot smaller lions hiding on the heads, backs or paws of the larger ones.
People say the lions of the Marco Polo Bridge are too numerous to count. Originally there were said to be 627 lions. Most of them date from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A few rare ones even come from the earlier Yuan dynasty.
At each end of the Marco Polo Bridge stand four ornamental columns. They are each 4.65 meters high. You will also see a white marble stele. One stele records the bridge’s reconstruction by the Kangxi Emperor in 1698. Another stele bears calligraphy by the Qianlong Emperor. It reads Morning moon over Lugou. For centuries, the bridge has been a well-known scenic spot in Beijing.
In 1949, after the Communist takeover, asphalt was added to the bridge. It then carried motor vehicle traffic. To ease traffic, the New Marco Polo Bridge was built in 1971. Later, the old bridge was preserved for its cultural significance.
The Marco Polo Bridge stands as a symbol of China’s rich history and artistic heritage. Its beauty continues to inspire. Its story reminds us of pivotal moments in history. As you leave today, remember the lions. Remember the traveler who admired this bridge centuries ago. Remember its role in a war. The Marco Polo Bridge is more than just a bridge. It is a landmark that connects us to the past.