On July 7, 1937, shots fired at the Lugou Bridge (also known as Marco Polo Bridge) outside Beijing marked the beginning of Japan's full-scale invasion of China and sparked China's nationwide War of Resistance. Today, the stone lions on both sides of the Bridge remain, but the land has been renewed.

As a historical symbol of the War of Resistance, the Bridge embodies the patriotic sprit at the core of the Chinese national identity, characterized by fearlessness in the face of violence, unity against foreign invasion, and an unyielding will to fight to the death.

Today, the Lugou Bridge and its Memorial Hall stand there silently, witnessing the comings and goings of visitors every day, reminding people to honor the past, cherish peace, strengthen the national unity, and enhance the cohesion of the Chinese people.

(First 3 photos: The bridge in wartime, 1937 | Last 3 photos: The bridge today)