Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, crosses the Yongding River in Beijing’s Fengtai District. Its stone balustrades are lined with carved lions, each with a different pose; look closely for smaller figures tucked into the larger sculptures. At the eastern end, Wanping Fortress contains the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance. The bridge is tied to the 1937 Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Come for the architecture, then visit the fortress museum for more context.
A stone crossing over the Yongding River
Lugou Bridge spans the Yongding River in Fengtai District, southwest of central Beijing. Also called Marco Polo Bridge, it is 266.5 metres long and rests on 10 piers. Stone lions line both sides, with carvings that vary in pose and detail.
Take time to inspect the larger figures closely. Smaller lions are carved into places such as their heads, backs, paws and bellies. The figures come from different eras, so the row is not a set of identical sculptures. The bridge’s stonework and its river crossing are central to the visit.
Wanping Fortress and the 1937 incident
At the bridge’s eastern end stands Wanping Fortress, which houses the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance. Visiting both gives you a chance to see the bridge and learn more about the conflict associated with the site.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident took place here in 1937 and marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The bridge is known by the name Lugou Bridge in Beijing; Marco Polo Bridge is the name widely used in Western contexts. For a fuller visit, allow time for the fortress and museum as well as the crossing.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Lugou Bridge?
It is in Fengtai District, Beijing, spanning the Yongding River. Wanping Fortress is at its eastern end.
What is Lugou Bridge known for?
The bridge is known for its carved stone lions and its connection to the 1937 Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
What can you visit near the bridge?
Wanping Fortress stands at the eastern end and houses the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance.
Which entrance should I use?
Approach from the eastern side, where the visitor entrance is located. Check online ticketing beforehand, as some travelers have encountered issues entering foreign passport numbers.
