Beijing Bridge Holds Place in Chinese History
Wanping Suburb Is Home to Famous Bridge, Sino-Japanese War Museum
Aug 3, 2009
A visit to Wanping and the famous bridge makes a good day trip from Beijing. It is perfect for days when tourists don't feel like fighting the crowds at the Forbidden City, Summer Palace or Great Wall. It is not a major must-see for tourists, so not that many foreigners come here, but Wanping is important for its historical significance..
The village is home to LuGou Qiao, also known as Marco Polo Bridge because the famous explorer mentioned a bridge over the Yongding River in writing about his travels.
LuGou Qiao Dates Back to 1192
LuGou Qiao was built in 1192, and has 250 marble balustrades each topped with a large carved lion, no two of which are alike. Smaller lions are paired with the big lions and can be found tucked away in various places, such as under the big lion’s paw or tail. The original bridge washed away in the 17th century. The bridge has been redone since then, including as recently as 1969, and features uneven, worn stone steps in the center.
The river is usually dry now, and driving schools use the riverbed to teach people how to drive.
First Shots in China's Anti-Japanese War Fired at Marco Polo Bridge
The bridge is more famous as the site of what has become known as the “July 7, 1937 incident” also known as the “Marco Polo Bridge incident.” Though Japan had already invaded China, swooping down from the north, the shooting at the Marco Polo Bridge is considered the official start of the War of Resistance Against Japan. This war ended eight years later with the end of World War II.
The Japanese had already taken over three crucial outposts to the entrance of Beijing, and were in control of the west end of LuGou Qiao. Chinese forces controlled the east end of the bridge. The bridge was located at a crucial railway point, and guarded the only way from Beijing to the Kuomintang-controlled south.
The shooting began when the Chinese refused to let Japan enter Wanping to find a soldier the Japanese claimed was inside Wanping. The Chinese won this battle, only to lose the village the next month; Beijing fell on August 18.
Wanping Museum Honors China's War Efforts
A museum at Wanping details this war, officially known as the War of Resistance Against Japan. Most of the exhibits are explained in Chinese, but are readily understandable by those who do not read the language. The displays are sobering and are reminiscent of Holocaust museums in other countries. There’s even statuary honoring the Flying Tigers, a group of Americans volunteers who fought for the Chinese during the war.
Visit to Wanping Makes for Good Day Trip From Beijing
A visit to the Marco Polo Bridge and the war museum makes a good day trip from Beijing, 16 kilometers to the north. Though it’s possible to get to Wanping via public transportation, the trip involves changing buses and a long walk to get to the bridge. It’s more convenient and not that expensive to take a taxi to LuGou Qiao; the driver should let passengers off at the entrance to the street which is home to the museum. Motor vehicles are not allowed on this portion of the street, which is being restored as a Ming Dynasty city. LuGou Qiao is located at the end of this street.
The museum is located at No. 101 on this street; entrance signs are in Chinese, so watch for a ticket office on the street. Admission is 15 yuan (approximately US$2.20) for adults. The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
The bridge is open daily; admission is 10 yuan (approximately US$1.50).
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