Photo Gallery

Marco Polo Bridge (built 1192, rebuilt 17th century)

Marco Polo bridge was first constructed in 1192, but the original stones were washed away in a 17th century flood. The reconstruction dates from that era.

The bridge is famous because it is mentioned in the annals written by Marco Polo, a European explorer who visited the Mongol Yuan dynasty court in the 13th century. Though not exactly an engineering marvel, the bridge is 260 meters long with nearly 500 carved stone lions. It spans the Yongding river which was dry at the time these photos were taken in summer, 1998.

The fame of the bridge was not lost on the 18th century Emperor Qianlong, who inscribed calligraphy on a stele on the bridge.

The bridge has occupied a place of notoriety in Chinese history since July 7, 1937, when Japanese troops fired the first shots that led China into World War II. On the fateful day, Japanese troops overwhelmed a railway junction in the nearby town of Wanping and incited Chinese troops to attack their position. This failed, but it gave Japan the excuse it was looking for to occupy Beijing.