“How many lions do you think are carved into this bridge?” I ask, gesturing towards the Yinluchi Bridge. You might think it is a simple question. But the answer is far from straightforward.
Welcome to the Yinluchi Bridge. It is a historical landmark. Today, we will delve into its story.
The Marco Polo Bridge, also known as Lugou Bridge, is a stone bridge southwest of Beijing. It is located in the Fengtai District. The Yinluchi Bridge bridges the Yongding River. This river is a major Hai River tributary.
Marco Polo praised this bridge during his 13th-century visit. This made it famous in Europe. More significantly, the Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred here. It marked the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Construction of the original bridge started in 1189. It finished in 1192. Later, the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty reconstructed it in 1698 after flood damage.
Marco Polo described it as one of the world’s finest. He noted its marble construction and artistic design. Chinese engineer Mao Yisheng called it splendid.
The Marco Polo Bridge is 266.5 meters long. It is 9.3 meters wide. Ten piers support its eleven arches. Hundreds of stone lions line both sides. These lions are unique and from different eras. Many smaller lions are hiding on the bigger ones.
The total number of lions varies. Estimates range from 482 to 501. Records suggest there were originally 627 lions. Most lions date from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A few are from the Yuan dynasty. The Jin dynasty lions are rare.
Four ornamental columns stand at the bridge ends. Each is 4.65 meters high. A white marble stele records the 1698 reconstruction. Another stele has calligraphy by the Qianlong Emperor. It reads “Morning moon over Lugou”. For 800 years, this bridge has been a scenic spot in Beijing.
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 the piers from flood and ice damage.
In 1949, the bridge was covered in asphalt for vehicles. To reduce traffic, the New Marco Polo Bridge opened in 1971. Another new bridge for the Jingshi Expressway followed in 1985. Afterward, the old bridge closed to motor vehicles. A 1986 restoration removed the asphalt.
Walking across the Yinluchi Bridge, you walk through history. Consider the countless feet that have crossed before you. Each stone has a story. Each lion guards a secret. The Yinluchi Bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a testament to time, art, and resilience.