Marco Polo Bridge

The architecture planning that goes behind the building of this bridge is very remarkable. Ancient people are really genius. There are 500 over carved stone lions each with different expression. This was the first point of Japanese invasion into China.

I came all the way out here but couldn't enter the bridge area, as they only sell tickets online, and the online form didn't accept foreign passport numbers. 😞

橋面的石磚跟欄杆上的石獅, 很有歷史感 The Marco Polo Bridge or Lugou Bridge is a stone bridge located 15 km southwest of Beijing's city center in the Fengtai District. It bridges the Yongding River, a major tributary of Hai River. Situated at the eastern end of the bridge is the Wanping Fortress, a historic 17th-century fortress, with the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance. The Marco Polo Bridge is 266.5 meters (874 ft) in length and 9.3 m (30.5 ft) in width, supported on 10 piers and 11 segmental arches. Hundreds of artistically unique stone lions from different eras line both sides of the bridge. The most intriguing feature of these beasts is the fact that there are more lions hiding on the head, back or under the belly or on paws of each of the big lions. However, record has it that there were originally a total of 627 lions. The posture of each lion varies, as do their ages.

I came here for the “8 scenic sights of Old Beijing”, the reflection of crescent moon on the river. However, was disappointed to find that even after staying past sunset, there was no moon. The place was cold and deserted, and afraid to be haunted too (WW2 history).

There are a lot of lions with different personalities.

Firstly, make sure you approach from the eastern side of the bridge. There is an entry gate on the west, but it was closed for visitors. The bridge itself is alright, probably worth seeing once if you live in Beijing.

Marco Polo bridge, is a great bridge, it has lions so much. And special. You can know the Chinese and Japanese history in 20th Century. And has museums near by here

Decorated by lion sculptures. The very witness to the Chinese World War II history. Also, no one call it Marco Polo Bridge here. Don't use that name anymore.