Lugou Bridge/Wanping Fortress
Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge) is a famous stone bridge located 15 kilometers southwest of Beijing. Built in 1192 during the Jin Dynasty, it is renowned for its 485 uniquely carved stone lions on the balustrades. The bridge gained historical significance as the site of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, which marked the beginning of Japan's full-scale invasion of China. Nearby Wanping Fortress, a Ming Dynasty walled city, now houses the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
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4 Chengnei St, Lugouqiao, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
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Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge) and Wanping Fortress: A Site of Historical Significance
Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge) is a famous stone bridge located 15 kilometers southwest of Beijing. Built in 1192 during the Jin Dynasty, it is renowned for its 485 uniquely carved stone lions on the balustrades. The bridge gained immense historical significance as the site of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, which marked the beginning of Japan's full-scale invasion of China. Nearby Wanping Fortress, a Ming Dynasty walled city, now houses the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. This site offers a poignant look into a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history.
What to See and Do
Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge): Walk across this ancient stone bridge and admire the intricate carvings of the stone lions, no two of which are exactly alike. The bridge itself is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese bridge building.
Stone Lions: Spend time observing the hundreds of stone lions on the bridge's balustrades. Their varied expressions and postures are a testament to the skill of ancient sculptors.
Wanping Fortress: Explore the well-preserved Ming Dynasty walled city of Wanping, which served as a military stronghold. You can walk along its walls and through its gates.
Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression: Located within Wanping Fortress, this museum provides a comprehensive and moving account of the Sino-Japanese War, with a focus on the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. It features historical documents, photographs, artifacts, and multimedia displays.
Historical Significance: Reflect on the historical importance of the site, which marked the beginning of a brutal war that profoundly shaped modern China.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor exploration. The site is open year-round. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
How to Get There
Lugou Bridge and Wanping Fortress are located in Fengtai District. You can take various bus routes (e.g., 309, 339, 624, 661, 662, 896, 978) to Lugouqiao (卢沟桥) or Wanpingcheng (宛平城) stations. A taxi or ride-hailing service is also convenient.
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking around the bridge and fortress.
Allow ample time: Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the bridge, fortress, and museum thoroughly.
Historical context: Reading up on the Marco Polo Bridge Incident and the Sino-Japanese War will greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the site.
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