The Yongding River, formerly known as Lugou River, gives its name to the bridge. The main attractions in the Lugou Bridge scenic area include Lugou Bridge itself, Wanping City, and the Anti-Japanese War Sculpture Park. On July 7, 1937, the first shot of the full-scale War of Resistance was fired here by Chinese troops.
Travel Information about Lugou Bridge
Admission and Opening Hours
- Ticket Price: ¥20
- Opening Hours: Peak Season (April-October) 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Off-Season (November-March) 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Getting to the Scenic Area
- Location: About 15 kilometers southwest of Beijing, on the Yongding River in Fengtai District.
- Public Transport: Take bus 77 to the Anti-Japanese War Sculpture Park Station and walk 600 meters west. Alternatively, take buses 309 or 339 to Lugou New Bridge Station and walk 200 meters north.
Attraction Rating
- Cultural: ★★★★
- Special Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Romantic: ★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Lugou Bridge Scenic Area
Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge)
Lugou Bridge, originally built in 1189, was destroyed by floods in the early Qing Dynasty. It was rebuilt in 1698 during the 37th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign. The bridge is the oldest surviving stone arch bridge in Beijing, renowned worldwide for its exquisite stone carvings. The bridge is 266.5 meters long and 7.5 meters wide, expanding to 9.3 meters at its widest point. It has ten piers and eleven arches, all constructed of stone, with iron joints in key positions. It is the longest ancient stone bridge in North China.
At each end of the bridge, there are four stone pillars called huabiao, standing about 4.65 meters tall. These pillars are proportionate to the bridge’s height and size, creating a majestic and harmonious appearance. On each end of the bridge, there is a square stone pavilion with intricately carved dragon patterns on the columns.
On either side of the bridge, there are 140 stone railings, each topped with a stone lion, totaling 502 lions, each with unique expressions and lifelike details. East of the bridge, a pavilion houses a white marble stele inscribed with “卢沟晓月” (Moonlight over Lugou) by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, which is one of the Eight Views of Yanjing.
The stone lions on Lugou Bridge and the moon at dawn are particularly famous, so it’s best to visit before sunrise. There are said to be 502 small lions on the bridge’s columns, each unique and charming. You might want to count them yourself!
Wanping Ancient City
At the eastern end of the bridge lies Wanping Ancient City, a fortification built during the late Ming Dynasty to defend the capital. On July 7, 1937, the “Lugou Bridge Incident” occurred here, igniting the flames of full-scale war. Bullet marks can still be seen on the city walls today. Wanping City stretches 640 meters east to west and 320 meters north to south. It has two gates: the East Gate, named “Shunzhi,” and the West Gate, named “Yongchang,” later renamed “Weyan” during the Qing Dynasty. The city gates are equipped with gate towers, moat gates, and guard towers. The north and south walls feature a horse path in the center, with towers and barracks built on top. The walls are surrounded by crenellations, observation holes, and shooting openings, each equipped with cover plates, reflecting the ancient fortifications’ strength and strategic importance.
Today, Wanping City has become a site of significant historical importance. The northern side of the city houses the Chinese People’s Anti-Japanese War Memorial Museum, while the eastern side is dedicated to the Anti-Japanese War Martyrs Cemetery. The city also features a July 7th Incident Memorial Hall and a Chinese Ancient Bridge Exhibition Hall on its city towers.
The Chinese People’s Anti-Japanese War Memorial Museum is the only large, comprehensive museum in the country dedicated to reflecting the history of China’s resistance against Japanese aggression. The museum employs modern techniques such as photographs, films, multimedia slideshows, and computer touch screens, complemented by various sculptures, wax figures, and simulated terrains to vividly recreate the historical scenes. The museum features valuable artifacts in its National Anti-War Hall, Japanese Atrocities Hall, People’s War Hall, and Anti-War Heroes Hall, enhancing the exhibit’s appeal and providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this historical period.
The Anti-Japanese War Sculpture Park covers an area of 22,500 square meters and displays 38 column-shaped bronze sculptures, each 2 meters in diameter, 4.3 meters high, and weighing 6 tons. These sculptures are arranged in the traditional Chinese stele forest style and use Chinese folk art techniques. They depict the historical process of the Anti-Japanese War in four sections: “Invasion by the Japanese”, “Rise to Save the Nation”, “Anti-Japanese Flames”, and “Victory of Justice”, showcasing the unyielding national spirit and heroic courage of the Chinese people.
The main hall of the Chinese People’s Anti-Japanese War Memorial Museum features a ceiling composed of 15 square coffered ceilings, from which hang eight ancient bells, symbolizing the persistent warning against foreign invasion. The walls on either side are adorned with the sheet music of the “March of the Volunteers” and the “Eighth Route Army March”, representing the strong will of the nation during the war. The exhibition halls on both wings of the entrance display artifacts and photographic materials from the September 18 Incident to Japan’s surrender.
Legend about Lugou Bridge
There is an ancient legend that floodwaters never surpass Lugou Bridge, and it carries an interesting story. Once, the Jade Emperor visited Lugou Bridge and heard from the local city gods that the bridge was built in a single night by the daughter and sister-in-law of the legendary craftsman Lu Ban, who made a bet. The Jade Emperor was very pleased and impressed, saying, “It is remarkable that such a capable girl exists in the human world; it seems that even floodwaters will not surpass this bridge.” All the gods nodded in agreement with the Jade Emperor’s words.
However, the Dragon King who controlled the Haihe River was troubled by this. He thought to himself, if the Jade Emperor’s words are a decree, and if floodwaters were to surpass the bridge, it would mean he had failed in his duty. The Dragon King returned to his palace and summoned the chief officials, along with his nine sons and three daughters, to devise a solution. Eventually, the third princess came up with an idea: to protect the riverbanks with copper nets and lay iron nets at the riverbed to prevent erosion by the floodwaters. This is known in legend as the “Copper Nets and Iron Bottoms.”
Seeing how the third princess helped their father, the dutiful Fourth and Fifth Princes also wanted to assist. During the flood season, they would automatically station themselves at the bridge’s holes to absorb water and protect the bridge. Even today, there are still two dragon heads at the bridge’s holes that are said to be absorbing water. Since then, there have been no major floods along the Yongding River, and the saying “Copper Nets and Iron Bottoms, floodwaters never surpass the bridge” has been passed down through the generations.
Visitor Guide for Lugou Bridge
Moon Viewing at Lugou Bridge
“卢沟晓月” (Moonlight at Lugou Bridge) is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing. This picturesque scene occurs when the sky turns pale with the dawn, and a waning moon hangs low, creating a frosty-like appearance over the bridge. To fully appreciate the essence of “Lugou Xiaoyue,” the best times to view the moon are during the evening and early morning.
Lugou Bridge is conveniently close to the city center. You can set up a camping tent on the grassy area at the bridge’s entrance as night falls. At dawn, standing on the ancient bridge, you can gaze out over the lush West Hills, with the moon’s reflection shimmering on the Yongding River. The moonlight at this time is particularly bright and clear, offering a serene and beautiful experience.
Accommodation
Lugou Bridge is located in Fengtai District, where accommodation options are relatively limited. Visitors can choose to stay in Wanshou City, which is nearby, or return to the city center for more accommodation choices.