Lugou Bridge

Overview

Lugou Bridge, also known as the Marco Polo Bridge, is an ancient stone arch bridge located in Fengtai District, Beijing. Spanning the Yongding River (formerly known as the Lugou River), this historic structure represents a remarkable feat of ancient Chinese engineering and architecture. The bridge has witnessed numerous significant events throughout Chinese history, from its construction during the Jin Dynasty to its role as the site of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident that marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War. With its distinctive stone lion sculptures and architectural features, Lugou Bridge stands as both an engineering marvel and a cultural treasure.

History

The construction of Lugou Bridge began in the 29th year of the Dading era (1189) during the Jin Dynasty, as ordered by Emperor Shizong of Jin. However, construction was actually initiated in the 29th year of the Dading era (1189) after Emperor Shizong's passing. The bridge was completed on April 24, 1192, during the third year of the Mingchang era. Initially named "Guangli," it was later renamed "Lugou Bridge" due to its crossing of the Lugou River.

During the Yuan Dynasty, between 1317 and 1354, a street tower was added to the bridge. The Ming Dynasty saw six renovations of the bridge between 1412 and 1555, though none were major structural projects. Notable renovations occurred in the 9th year of the Zhengtong era (1444), the 3rd year of the Hongzhi era (1490), and the 20th and 34th years of the Jiajing era (1541 and 1555 respectively).

In the Qing Dynasty, significant renovations took place in the 8th year of the Kangxi era (1669) and the 37th year of Kangxi's reign (1698), during which Emperor Kangxi ordered a stele to be erected at the west end of the bridge to commemorate the renovation. In the 16th year of the Qianlong era (1751), a pavilion was built at the bridge with an inscription of Qianlong's calligraphy reading "Lugu Xiaoyue" (Dawn Moon over Lugou), which became one of the famous "Eight Views of Yanjing." In the 34th year of the Guangxu era (1908), the bridge was temporarily modified to allow the passage of Guangxu Emperor's coffin to the Western Qing Tombs.

On July 7, 1937, the Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred at Lugou Bridge, marking the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War and China's eight-year resistance against Japanese invasion. In July 1939, heavy rainfall caused flooding that damaged the bridge's stone railings. In 1967, the bridge was widened with concrete walkways, and some stone lions were replaced. The bridge was officially retired from transportation use in 1985 after the completion of the new Lugou Bridge.

Key Information

Cultural Significance

Lugou Bridge holds immense cultural significance in Chinese history and art. The bridge is renowned for its 485 stone lion sculptures, with additional smaller lions carved among them, making it difficult to count precisely—hence the Chinese saying "Lugou Bridge's lions are countless." These sculptures showcase the evolution of Chinese stone carving art through different dynasties.

The "Lugou Xiaoyue" (Dawn Moon over Lugou) view, depicting the moon reflecting on the river at dawn, has been celebrated since the Jin Dynasty and was officially recognized as one of the "Eight Views of Yanjing" (Beijing's eight most famous scenic spots). Emperor Qianlong's calligraphy of these four characters remains inscribed on a stele at the bridge.

Numerous poets have celebrated the bridge in their works throughout Chinese history. Notable poems include "Qianlong's Two Odes on Lugou Bridge," "Yu Youzi's Ode to Lugou Bridge," "Chen Fu's Ode to Lugou Bridge," and "Yang Rong's Ode to Lugou Bridge," all of which capture the bridge's beauty and historical significance.

Modern Status

Today, Lugou Bridge is protected as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, designated in 1961. In 1986, the Lugou Bridge Historical Relics Restoration Committee was established to restore the bridge's original appearance, removing asphalt pavement added after 1949 and the widened walkways from 1967.

The bridge is now part of the Lugou Bridge-Wanping City scenic area, which includes the adjacent Wanping City—a historic rectangular fortress that served as a military outpost during the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. In 2014, "Wanping City and Lugou Bridge" were included in the first batch of National Anti-Japanese War Memorial Facilities and Sites.

In recent years, digital preservation efforts have been undertaken, including the creation of a digital archive of the bridge's stone lions in 2017. In 2021, Lugou Bridge was designated as one of Beijing's first batch of immovable revolutionary cultural relics. In 2023, it was included in Beijing's second batch of water conservancy heritage sites.

References

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2. Steinhardt, Nancy Shatzman. "Chinese Architecture." Yale University Press, 2002.

3. Spence, Jonathan D. "The Search for Modern China." W.W. Norton & Company, 2011.

4. Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage. "Lugou Bridge Conservation Report." 2018.

5. Gernet, Jacques. "Daily Life in China on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion, 1250-1276." Stanford University Press, 1962.

6. Hsu, Immanuel C.Y. "The Rise of Modern China." Oxford University Press, 2000.