
Walk across the historic Lugou Bridge, famed for its 266 unique stone lions and its pivotal role in modern Chinese history.

Must-see attractions
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Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Must-see attractions
Walk across the historic Lugou Bridge, famed for its 266 unique stone lions and its pivotal role in modern Chinese history.
"A truly remarkable historical site with hundreds of unique stone lions, a must-see in Beijing."

Take your time to find and photograph the unique stone lions; each one is different! :camerawithflash:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the bridge and surrounding areas. :athletic_shoe:

4.1 · 164 reviews
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Flanking the bridge
Discover hundreds of unique stone lions, each with its own character, carved into the bridge's balustrades.

Over the Yongding River
Walk across this ancient granite bridge, a testament to imperial engineering and a site of historical importance.

Bridge and surrounding area
Reflect on the bridge's role in Chinese history, including the pivotal Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Take your time to find and photograph the unique stone lions; each one is different! :camerawithflash:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the bridge and surrounding areas. :athletic_shoe:
Factor in travel time to and from Beijing, plus time to explore the bridge and its history. :clock1:
Understanding the bridge's historical context enhances the visit. 📚
from all over the internet
Take your time to find and photograph the unique stone lions; each one is different! :camerawithflash:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the bridge and surrounding areas. :athletic_shoe:
Factor in travel time to and from Beijing, plus time to explore the bridge and its history. :clock1:
Understanding the bridge's historical context enhances the visit. 📚
Visitors are consistently impressed by the historical grandeur of Lugou Bridge and its unique stone lions, finding it a significant historical site. While the bridge itself is free to access, some find the surrounding historical area's amenities and additional costs could be better managed. The journey from Beijing can be lengthy, but many feel the historical weight and visual appeal make it a worthwhile excursion.
"Lugou Bridge, with its over 500 stone lions, each differently shaped, was originally built in 1189. During the past 800 plus years it was repaired, sections rebuilt, and reconstructed. The stone-arch bridge is 266 metres long and has a width of 9.3 metres."
Neha V
"橋面的石磚跟欄杆上的石獅, 很有歷史感
The Marco Polo Bridge or Lugou Bridge is a stone bridge located 15 km southwest of Beijing's city center in the Fengtai District. It bridges the Yongding River, a major tributary of Hai River. Situated at the eastern end of the bridge is the Wanping Fortress, a historic 17th-century fortress, with the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance.
The Marco Polo Bridge is 266.5 meters (874 ft) in length and 9.3 m (30.5 ft) in width, supported on 10 piers and 11 segmental arches.
Hundreds of artistically unique stone lions from different eras line both sides of the bridge. The most intriguing feature of these beasts is the fact that there are more lions hiding on the head, back or under the belly or on paws of each of the big lions. However, record has it that there were originally a total of 627 lions. The posture of each lion varies, as do their ages."
Bo-Wen Zheng
"I came here for the “8 scenic sights of Old Beijing”, the reflection of crescent moon on the river. However, was disappointed to find that even after staying past sunset, there was no moon. The place was cold and deserted, and afraid to be haunted too (WW2 history)."
Ember Shen
Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge) is located about 20 km southwest of central Beijing. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service for a direct journey, which is often the most convenient option. Public transport is available but can be time-consuming, involving multiple bus transfers. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
While public transport options exist, they can be complex and time-consuming. Many visitors opt for taxis or ride-sharing services for ease of access. If using public transport, be prepared for potential transfers and longer travel times.
Travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions and your mode of transport. By taxi or ride-sharing, it typically takes around 45-60 minutes. Public transport can take considerably longer, potentially 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near Lugou Bridge for visitors arriving by private car. However, it's advisable to check for any specific parking regulations or fees in advance.
Absolutely! Lugou Bridge is a popular day trip destination from Beijing. Plan your transportation and allocate sufficient time to enjoy the site without feeling rushed.
Entry to the Lugou Bridge itself is generally free. However, there might be fees for accessing specific museums or exhibition areas within the Lugou Bridge Historical Scenic Area. It's best to check the official ticketing information upon arrival or beforehand.
The bridge is typically accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor landmark. However, any associated museums or visitor centers will have specific operating hours, usually from morning to late afternoon. Check local listings for the most accurate times.
The bridge itself is a public monument and generally does not have an entrance fee. However, the surrounding historical area may have charges for specific attractions or exhibitions.
While the bridge itself doesn't require tickets, any on-site museums or special exhibitions might offer online booking. It's recommended to check the official website or local tourism portals for ticketing options.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children for any paid attractions within the historical area. Inquire at the ticket counter or check the official website for details.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography at Lugou Bridge. The golden hour light can beautifully illuminate the granite structure and the stone lions. Weekdays are also preferable to avoid large crowds, allowing for clearer shots.
Generally, photography is allowed on the bridge and in the surrounding public areas. However, be mindful of any specific rules within museums or exhibition spaces, where photography might be restricted or prohibited.
The stone lions are a major photographic draw, with their intricate carvings. The bridge itself, especially with the Yongding River flowing beneath, offers classic scenic views. Don't miss capturing the details of the balustrades and the overall architectural grandeur.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and sensitive areas like Lugou Bridge to preserve the site and ensure visitor safety. It's advisable to check local regulations or inquire on-site before attempting to fly a drone.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both wide shots of the bridge and details of the lions. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography during sunrise or sunset, but be mindful of pedestrian traffic.
Lugou Bridge, also known as the Marco Polo Bridge, is historically significant for several reasons. It's a well-preserved ancient bridge dating back to 1192, praised by Marco Polo. More critically, it was the site of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, a major escalation that led to the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant traveler whose travels throughout Asia were recorded in 'The Travels of Marco Polo.' He visited China in the late 13th century and described a magnificent stone bridge, which is widely believed to be Lugou Bridge, though historical evidence is debated.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred on July 7, 1937, when Japanese and Chinese troops clashed near the bridge. This event is considered the start of Japan's full-scale invasion of China, marking a crucial turning point in the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Yes, the Lugou Bridge Historical Scenic Area often includes museums and exhibition halls that detail the bridge's construction, its historical importance, and the events of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. These offer deeper insights into the site's past.
The bridge is renowned for its 266 stone lions, each intricately carved and unique, adorning its balustrades. The granite construction, dating back centuries, and its impressive length also highlight its architectural significance.




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