Located 15 km southwest of Tian’anmen Square, Lugou Bridge stretches over the Yongding River and is the oldest existing multi-arched stone bridge in Beijing. The original construction of the bridge was completed in 1192 and then in 1698 the bridge was reconstructed. The bridge is supported by 281 pillars, and on each pillar stands a stone lion. More lions hide themselves on the head and back, under the belly or on the paws of each lion. The lions are vivid with various postures and different expressions, and they are known as the fine works of stone carving art. As there are innumerable stone lions on the bridge, there is a saying in Beijing echoing, “The lions on the Lugou Bridge are too numerous to count.”

Lugou Bridge is not only well-known in the world for its aesthetic features but also well recognized as a monument in the architectural history of stone bridges.