Haunted by the echoes of historical gunshots, this bridge is guarded by elaborately carved stone lions which are said to prowl at night.
Spanning the Yongding River, 15 kilometres to the southwest of central Beijing, you’ll find Marco Polo Bridge – an elaborate stone construction decorated with hundreds of individually carved lions and watched over on each side by stately stone elephants. Beware though, these legendary creatures, some of which can be traced back to the Jin Dynasty, are rumoured to come to life at night. Each lion has its own unique features and personality, but you wouldn’t want to meet any of them trying to cross the bridge after dark!Marco Polo Bridge was named after the famous Venetian explorer who, on crossing it during his travels in the thirteenth century, described it as ‘so fine…that it has very few equals in the world’. The spectacular stonework of this ancient structure has played its own important role in Chinese history.First built in 1192, the Lugou Bridge – as it is also known – is an impressive 266 metres long with more than 280 pillars, 11 arches and 10 piers. The original structure which Marco Polo so admired was sadly washed away, but the bridge was rebuilt in 1698 and restored to its former glory. It was here that the Sino-Japanese War was started in 1937, as Chinese and Japanese troops first opened fire on each other from opposite banks of the river.As you cross the bridge, you’ll notice large stone monuments on both riverbanks. One of these tells the story of the bridge’s reconstruction, whilst the tablet on the opposite side was inscribed by Emperor Qianlong himself.Located in the Fengtai District of Beijing, the bridge can be reached easily by taxi from the city centre. Alternatively, take a bus to Kang Zhan Diao Su Yuan Station and stroll the remaining distance. There is a small charge for crossing the bridge. Nearby attractions include the Wanping City Wall and a free sculpture garden, which you could combine with your visit for a full day out.
