The Lugou Bridge, better know to European's as the Marco Polo Bridge, is a stunning stone structure on the outskirts of Beijing.

Originally built in 1192 and then reconstructed in 1698, the bridge once provided a passage across the Yongding river.

The tributary of the larger Hai River has since been diverted away from Beijing and the granite bridge now straddles lush green fields.

Measuring 266.5 metres in length and at 9.3 metres wide, the bridge features 11 arches and 281 pillars each topped with a stone lion.

Each lion has several smaller lions hiding on the back of its head and under its paws, making little lion spotting a popular pastime for visitors with children.

Researchers have yet to work out exactly how many smaller lions feature on the bridge, with records suggesting it could be as many as 627.

Aesthetic qualities aside, the bridge is a must-visit for Beijing hotel guests interested in architecture and engineering.

In Marco Polo's own words: "Over this river there is a very fine stone bridge, so fine indeed, that it has very few equals in the world."

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