in width, supported on 10 piers and 11 segmental arches. Hundreds of artistically unique stone lions from different eras line both sides of the bridge. The most intriguing feature of these beasts is the fact that there are more lions hiding on the head, back or under the belly or on paws of each of the big lions. Investigations to determine the total number of animals have been carried out on several occasions but the results have proved inconsistent, ranging anywhere from 482 to 501. However, record has it that there were originally a total of 627 lions. The posture of each lion varies, as do their ages. Most date from the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, some are from the earlier Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), while the few lions dating from as long ago as the Jin dynasty (1115–1234) are now quite rare. Four ornamental columns each high and a white marble stele stand at the ends of the bridge. One stele, installed on top of a stone tortoise, records the reconstruction of the bridge by the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty in 1698. The other stele bears calligraphy by the Qianlong Emperor, a grandson of the Kangxi Emperor. It reads "Morning moon over Lugou" (蘆溝曉月 Lúgōu xiǎoyuè). For the 800 years since its completion, the bridge has been a well known scenic spot in Beijing. As well as being famed for its aesthetic features, Marco Polo Bridge is also considered to be an architectural masterpiece. It is built of granite, with a large central arch flanked by ten smaller ones. Each of the ten piers is protected by triangular iron pillars that have been installed to prevent damage by flood and ice. See also Marco Polo Bridge Incident History of Beijing List of bridges in China Notes References External links Marco Polo Bridge at China.org.cn Marco Polo Bridge at Travel China Bridges completed in 1192 Bridges completed in 1698 Bridges in Beijing Tourist attractions in Beijing Bridges completed in the 12th century Qing dynasty architecture Major National Historical and Cultural Sites in Beijing Song dynasty Qing dynasty Transport in Fengtai District Buildings and structures in Fengtai District