The bridge's association with Marco Polo is believed to have originated from the explorer's travelogues, where he described a bridge in China that crossed a river with many boats. While there is no concrete evidence to confirm that Marco Polo specifically referred to this particular bridge, the name "Marco Polo Bridge" has been widely adopted and is commonly used to refer to this historic bridge in Beijing.
Today, the Marco Polo Bridge is known as a popular tourist destination and a site of historical significance in Beijing. Visitors can explore the bridge's unique architectural features, including the stone pillars, carved railings, and the famous "Four Lions" sculptures at the bridge's entrances. The bridge also played a crucial role in China's history, as it was the site of several important battles during the Second Sino-Japanese War.