卢沟桥：北京最古老的石桥，石狮艺术的杰作

卢沟桥，位于天安门广场西南15公里处，横跨永定河，是北京现存最古老的多拱石桥。卢沟桥最初建成于1192年，1698年重建,由281根柱子支撑。每根柱子上都有一头石狮。这些石狮的头、背、腹部或爪子上都藏有着更多的狮子。这些石狮生动逼真、千姿百态，是卢沟桥石刻艺术的精品。桥上的石狮不计其数,因而北京地区流传着'卢沟桥上的狮子——数不清'的说法。卢沟桥不仅以其美学特征闻名于世,还被公认为石桥建筑史上的一座丰碑。

The Lugou Bridge, located 15 kilometers southwest of Tiananmen Square, spans the Yongding River and is the oldest surviving multi-arch stone bridge in Beijing. The bridge was initially built in 1192 and was reconstructed in 1698, supported by 281 pillars. Each pillar is adorned with a stone lion, with more lions hidden on their heads, backs, abdomens, or paws. These stone lions are vivid and diverse, representing the exquisite art of stone carving on the Lugou Bridge. There are countless stone lions on the bridge, hence the saying 'Countless Lions on the Lugou Bridge' in the Beijing area. The Lugou Bridge is not only renowned for its aesthetic characteristics but also recognized as a monument in the history of stone bridge architecture.