This impressive bridge with hundreds of lion sculptures has gained world fame as the site of a clash between Chinese and Japanese troops.

A walk over Marco Polo Bridge takes you back in time, in the footsteps of its namesake, the famous Venetian explorer. This huge granite bridge over the Yongding River is also known as the Lugou Bridge. It was first constructed in the late 12th century, even though the present bridge is only about three centuries old.

It’s easy to see why this structure caught the attention of Marco Polo, who praised it in his 13th-century travelogues. The original 1192 structure was washed away, but a reconstruction in 1698 saw its revival.

Present-day visitors come here to admire the beauty of the bridge and learn about its architectural and historical relevance. The bridge is 874 feet (266 meters) in length and has 11 arches, 10 piers and 281 pillars. This is the spot where Japanese and Chinese troops first exchanged fire in 1937, starting the second Sino-Japanese war.

Inspect the hundreds of elaborate stone lion carvings on the bridge. Each lion is different and some can be traced back to the Jin Dynasty of 1115-1234. Legend has it that the fierce creatures come alive at night.

Large stone monuments adorn each end of the bridge. One records the history of renovation of the bridge and the other features an inscription from Emperor Qianlong. Freely translated it reads: “The Moon over the Lugou at Dawn.” Carved stone elephants keeping guard at the both ends of the bridge.

After leaving the bridge, check out the nearby Wanping City Wall and free Sculpture Garden while you are in the area.

Marco Polo Bridge is situated in the Fengtai District and is nearly 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Tiananmen Square in central Beijing. Take a bus to Kang Zhan Diao Su Yuan Station and walk from there or take a taxi to the bridge.

There is a small admission fee for the bridge and the opening hours are seasonal, with longer hours in summer.

Plan a trip to see Marco Polo Bridge

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel

Downtown Beijing

￥122,334

per person

Feb 11 - Feb 18

found 6 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Beijing (PEK)

8.8/10 Excellent! (98 reviews)

All staff is helpful. All is good except the toilet no dry wet separation so the whole toilet get wet easily after shower. Suggest to have shower screen.

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

Beijing Le Zai Nan Luo Gu Xiang Wang Fu Jing Forbidden City Courtyard Hotel

Downtown Beijing

Save 100% on your flight

￥239,561

per person

Feb 11 - Feb 18

found 6 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Beijing (PEK)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)

We had a great experience staying at Le Zai Hotel. It's in the heart of the old city. Our room was clean and functional. Staff was amazing, very helpful and attentive. We enjoyed breakfast and tea time there. We would recommend it and would stay there again.

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2025

New World Beijing Hotel

Downtown Beijing

￥142,254

per person

Feb 11 - Feb 18

found 6 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Beijing (PEK)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)

The hotel is located inside the 2nd Ring, where most of the historical sightseeing spots located. Since mid November was not busy travel season in Beijing, at time of check in, I requested a free upgrade to a bigger room and the staff was nice enough to give me a bigger one. There is a 1/2 self service pastry stall in the lobby which has my favorite chestnut cake. The nearest metro station is about 15 minutes walk, that I think is a bit far away. The first day I arrived Beijing (11/16) the temperature was zero degree and windy. It would be too cold to walk to the metro station. For the few days I stayed at the hotel, I ended up using taxi most the time instead of subway train. In November the city already turned on heat. My room was facing west and window was locked/unable to open; the room got very warm and I had trouble falling asleep in a " hot room" . On the third day, I had to call the service desk to check if I could have air-conditioning turn on. The answer was no and the housekeeper came to unlock the window so I could got some air! Overall, the hotel is nice, clean and room is spacious.

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2025

Popular places to visit

One of the best places in Beijing, I really enjoyed this place and had so much fun 😍👍🏼

Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park

Bring your family to Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park and enjoy some excitement at this amusement park in Beijing. Visit the temples and shops in this culturally rich area.

Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Beijing. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Beijing Changxindian Tutorial School Site

You can learn about the history of Beijing with a stop at Beijing Changxindian Tutorial School Site. Visit the shops and temples in this culturally rich area.

Beijing Study in France Site

You can learn about the history of Beijing with a trip to Beijing Study in France Site. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Beijing Garden Expo Park

Explore the great outdoors at Beijing Garden Expo Park, a lovely green space in Beijing. Visit the temples and shops in this walkable area.

Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture

You can study the exhibits at Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Beijing. Visit the shops and temples in this culturally rich area.