Beijing Attractions
Description
Venue: Lugou Qiao (Marco Polo Bridge) When: Daily
Marco Polo Bridge, otherwise known as Luguo Qiao (Reed Moat Bridge), was first built between 1189 and 1192 for Emperor Shizong. It is renowned for Marco Polo's glowing description of it, but even more for being the starting point of the Japanese-Chinese war which pulled China into the Second World War.
The bridge is 235 metres long and eight metres wide, supported by 11 arches over the river, and has 250 marble ballustrades running down the sides which support 485 carved stone lions. With cobblestones running down the centre, it is an early feat of pretty and practical engineering.
Despite its beauty the bridge is better known as the scene of China's entry into the Second World War - Japanese troops took the bridge on 7 July, 1937, and went on to lay siege to Beijing.
The bridge scene has been immortalised by the words of Emperor Kangxi, who wrote in his own style of calligraphy, "Morning moonlight over the Lugou Bridge". The words are recorded on a plaque.
Marco Polo Bridge, otherwise known as Luguo Qiao (Reed Moat Bridge), was first built between 1189 and 1192 for Emperor Shizong. It is renowned for Marco Polo's glowing description of it, but even more for being the starting point of the Japanese-Chinese war which pulled China into the Second World War.
The bridge is 235 metres long and eight metres wide, supported by 11 arches over the river, and has 250 marble ballustrades running down the sides which support 485 carved stone lions. With cobblestones running down the centre, it is an early feat of pretty and practical engineering.
Despite its beauty the bridge is better known as the scene of China's entry into the Second World War - Japanese troops took the bridge on 7 July, 1937, and went on to lay siege to Beijing.
The bridge scene has been immortalised by the words of Emperor Kangxi, who wrote in his own style of calligraphy, "Morning moonlight over the Lugou Bridge". The words are recorded on a plaque.
Beijing Information
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Looking for things to do around Beijing? Here are some of the events and attractions happening in the area.
| Beijing International Marathon |
19 Oct 2008 (annual) Beijing |
| Beijing Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival |
Jan 2009 (annual) Longqing Gorge, Beijing |
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