The marble
bridge has eleven arches, and measures 266.5 meters long and 7.5 meters
wide. Most fascinating is that every baluster is carved
on top with a lion in different shape and expression. According to the
survey in 1961 by the Beijing Cultural Relics Administration, there
were 486 lions of various size in total: 281 bigger lions on top of
the balusters plus 198 smaller lions on their bodies, apart from the
two lions balancing on their heads the balustrades at the Bridge eastern
end, 4 lions atop each of the four sculptured marble columns standing
at the Bridge's heads, and one lion discovered later in the sand under
the Bridge . However, another survey conducted in 1983 resulted in the
total number being 498. For the exact number of lions, please try to
count yourself.
At the
extremes of the bridge there are two stone stelae, one recording the
history of the renovation work carried out in the reign of Emperor Kangxi
(1662-1722), and the other bearing the inscription "The Moon over
the Lugou Bridge at Dawn" in the handwriting of Emperor Qianlong.
ChinaTravelKey can add Marco Polo Bridge on the following itinerary:
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