Treasures of China is a celebration of dramatic contrasts, a unique blend of cultural journeys and far-flung destinations where a world of adventure awaits.
“Over this river there is a very fine stone bridge,” wrote Marco Polo, “so fine indeed, that it has very few equals in the world.”
Construction of the Marco Polo Bridge began in 1189. It was completed in 1192.
Built of granite with a large central arch flanked by ten smaller ones, the bridge is considered an architectural masterpiece since its completion 800 years ago.
The bridge is 874 feet long and just over 30 feet wide. Hundreds of adroitly unique stone lions from various dynasties line both sides of the bridge. Most date from the Ming dynasty 1368-1644 and Qing dynasty 1644-1911. Some are earlier from the Yuan dynasty 1271-1368.
Four ornamental columns measuring 15 ft high and a white marble stele stand at the ends of the bridge. One stele atop a stone tortoise records the reconstruction of the bridge by the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty in 1698.
The other stele features calligraphy by the Qianlong Emperor who was a grandson of the Kangxi Emperor. It reads "Morning moon over Lugou” -the Chinese name of the bridge.
The bridge was the scene of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, marking the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War 1937-1945.
A visit to the Marco Polo Bridge is a great way to discover for yourself China’s stunning monuments to its 5000 years of history.
Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA.
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