Lugou Bridge — known in the West as Marco Polo Bridge after the Venetian's enthusiastic 13th-century description — was built in 1192 during the Jin dynasty and remains one of the oldest stone arch bridges in northern China. Its eleven arches span 266 meters over the Yongding River, and the parapets are decorated with 485 carved stone lions — "no two alike" is the local saying, though many were re-carved over the centuries. Historically significant for two reasons: Marco Polo praised it lavishly in his Travels (a 17th-century European literary milestone), and on July 7, 1937, a small-arms clash on this bridge between Chinese and Japanese troops triggered the full-scale Second Sino-Japanese War — making it one of the most politically charged historical sites in China. The Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall sits at the bridge's east end. Located in Fengtai District 17 km southwest of central Beijing; reach via Metro Line 14 (Dawayao Station) then 15-min walk, or by taxi.

Address

Lugou Nanli, Fengtai District, Beijing

丰台区卢沟桥南里

Highlights

485 Stone Lions (485只石狮)Carved into the bridge parapets; locals say no two are identical
1937 War Trigger SiteJuly 7, 1937 incident here started the full Sino-Japanese War
Anti-Japanese War MuseumAt east end; free entry with passport; sobering exhibits
Marco Polo's PraiseDescribed in his Travels as a marvel of bridge engineering
11 Stone Arches, 266 Meters1192 Jin dynasty original; one of north China's oldest bridges