Lugou Bridge
Lugou Bridge, this ancient and famous bridge, is located on the Yongding River in Fengtai District, Beijing. It is named after crossing the Lugou River (Yongding River). It is the oldest existing stone arch bridge in Beijing, bearing rich historical significance and serving as an important symbol of the Chinese people's heroic resistance against foreign invaders.
Lugou Bridge was first built in the 29th year of the Jin Dynasty's Dading era (the 16th year of the Southern Song Dynasty's Chunxi era, 1189 AD). With a long history, the bridge spans 266.5 meters in length and 7.5 meters in width. Its unique design features wing-shaped parapets on both sides. The exquisite stone carvings on the bridge depict ancient stories with each stone seemingly narrating its own tale from the past.
However, what Lugou Bridge is most renowned for is the "Lugou Bridge Incident" that occurred here on July 7, 1937, also known as the "July 7th Incident." This marked the beginning of the full-scale outbreak of the Chinese War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, with the Chinese anti-Japanese forces firing the first shot of the nationwide resistance here. Standing on Lugou Bridge, one can almost hear the echoes of history and feel the flames of that era.
Visitors to Lugou Bridge can not only admire the grandeur of the ancient bridge but also visit nearby sites such as the Monument to the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Wanping City Wall. The towering monument evokes solemnity, reminding people of the cruelty of war and the preciousness of peace. The Wanping City Wall bears witness to the vicissitudes of history, with visible marks of artillery bombardment on its surface, offering a deeper understanding of that historical period.
Additionally, surrounding Lugou Bridge are attractions such as the Sculpture Park and the Beijing International Garden Expo Park, offering beautiful environments for leisure. The Sculpture Park features numerous sculptures blending historical gravity with artistic vitality. The Beijing International Garden Expo Park is a comprehensive park integrating landscape art, flower exhibitions, and cultural exchanges, offering insights into traditional Chinese culture and garden art.
For travel tips to Lugou Bridge, it is generally recommended to check transportation routes in advance, with options including public buses, subways, or self-driving. The ticket price is usually 20 yuan per person, with discounts or free entry available for special groups such as children, students, the elderly, retirees, people with disabilities, and military personnel upon presentation of valid identification. During the visit, please take care to protect cultural relics, respect history, and refrain from climbing or touching the bridge and sculptures.
In conclusion, Lugou Bridge is a tourist destination that integrates history, culture, and art. Whether for understanding Chinese history or appreciating the beauty of ancient bridges, it is worth a visit. It is hoped that foreign visitors can deeply experience Chinese history, culture, and the resilience of the Chinese people during their visit to Lugou Bridge.