Perhaps the stones of Wanping Bridge could tell tales of emperors and battles. This is the Marco Polo Bridge also known as Lugou Bridge. It stands 15 km southwest of Beijing’s city center. Wanping Fortress is at the bridge’s eastern end. This fortress dates back to the 17th century.
The Marco Polo Bridge gained fame from Marco Polo’s praise. He visited China in the 13th century. In the 20th century the Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred here. It marked the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Originally, the bridge’s construction finished in 1192. This happened during Emperor Shizong of Jin’s reign. Later, the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty reconstructed it in 1698 after flood damage.
Marco Polo admired the bridge during his travels. He called it one of the finest in the world. Mao Yisheng also praised the Lugou Bridge. He considered it one of China’s most splendid bridges.
After 1949, the bridge was asphalted for vehicles. To reduce traffic, the New Marco Polo Bridge opened in 1971. In 1985, another bridge for the Jingshi Expressway was built. The old Marco Polo Bridge was then preserved. In 1986, its asphalt surface was removed.
The Marco Polo Bridge stretches 266.5 meters long. It is 9.3 meters wide. Ten piers support its eleven arches. Hundreds of stone lions line both sides of the bridge. These lions come from different eras. Many smaller lions hide on the bigger lions. The total number ranges from 482 to 501. Originally, there were 627 lions. Most lions date from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Some are from the Yuan dynasty. Lions from the Jin dynasty are rare now.
Four ornamental columns stand at the bridge’s ends. Each is 4.65 meters high. One stele records the reconstruction by the Kangxi Emperor. Another stele features calligraphy by the Qianlong Emperor. It reads “Morning moon over Lugou”. The bridge has been a scenic spot in Beijing for 800 years.
The Marco Polo Bridge is an architectural masterpiece. It is built of granite. A large central arch is flanked by ten smaller ones. Triangular iron pillars protect each pier.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident has a global impact. The clash between Chinese and Japanese troops occurred on July 7, 1937. This incident led to a war. The war reshaped the world order. Japan seized the nearby railway line. It occupied Beijing and Tianjin by July’s end. The conflict expanded into an eight-year war. China resisted Japan until 1945.
Remember the Marco Polo Bridge. It is more than just stone and art. It symbolizes resilience. It serves as a reminder of a pivotal moment in history.