Lugouqiao (Marco Polo) Bridge

Are you planning to visit Beijing to witness the next Olympic? Then dont forget to include Lugoqiao (Marcopolo) Bridge in your list of the famous tourist attractions in Beijing.

The Lugoqiao (Marcopolo)Bridge built in 12th century across the Yongding river lies 15-20 kilometers Southwest of Beijing.This stone bridge which is approximately 260 meters long and 903 meters wide is built of huge granite rocks. It comprises of 11 archways, 250 marble balustrades and more than 400 lions. Surprisingly no two lions look alike. The original arches were washed away in the seventeenth century.

The name Lugoqiao probably came from Lugou river which was also known as Heishul meaning Black water. The word lu in local dialect means black. The river was also called Wuding. The name Yongding given by the emperor Kangxi means Eternal Stability.

The bridge earned its name Marcopolo Bridge after the famous travellar Marco Polo who visited the place in 1276 A.D. During the reign of Yuan dynasty. A detailed description of the bridge is available from Marco Polo's accounts. The Lugoqiao (Marco Polo) Bridge found its place in the writings of travellars and scholars right from the time when it was built in the MingChang period.



The Lugoqiao(Marcopolo)bridge also featured itself during the Japanese Aggression. On July 7,1937 war triggered off between The Imperial Japanese army and Revolutionary Army of People's Republic of China near the bridge which died down with the end of Second World War. Hence the historical importance of the bridge cannot be neglected.

The best time to visit the Marcopolo Bridge is mid Autumn. Do not forget to have a view of the sunset from the Lugoqiao (Marcopolo) Bridge.

The Lugoqiao (Marcopolo) Bridge which is one of the most famous of the eight scenic spots of Beiging has remained one of the major tourist attractions in Beijing.