Discover Luzhi Ancient Town: A Journey into China's Captivating Water Town

Nestled in Suzhou, the heart of Jiangsu province, Luzhi Ancient Town is considered one of the six classic water towns in Southern China. It offers a peaceful escape into a world defined by canal-side houses with classic white walls and black tiles and a maze of waterways crossed by ancient stone bridges. It was recognized as one of China’s “Ten Famous Historical and Cultural Towns” in 2003 and a UNESCO Township Preservation Award winner in 2004.

Luzhi Ancient Town shares the same age as Suzhou City. Throughout its long history of more than 2500 years, Luzhi has preserved the exquisite beauty of the Jiangnan region, seamlessly blending the charm of Jiangnan water towns with the elegance of Suzhou gardens. A visit to Luzhi town is a step back in time, perfect for travelers seeking the tranquil charm of traditional Jiangnan life. For travelers who prefer a less-crowded water town trip in China, Luzhi Water Town will provide a less crowded but equally enchanting experience.

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Brief History of Luzhi Water Town

Luzhi was originally named Fuli because of the Fuli Pond in the west of the town. Its name evolved to “Luzhi” due to the unique pattern of six streams in the area, which resembled the Chinese character “甪” (Lu). 

For centuries, it has been a vital hub along the Jiangnan water network. Its rich past is palpable in every cobbled lane and weathered bridge, preserving a way of life that has gracefully endured. Today, Luzhi town is celebrated not just for its scenic beauty but as a living museum of water town culture and architecture. If you are looking for one of ancient water towns near Shanghai, except for Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang ancient water towns, Luzhi Water Town is also a good choice.

What to See in Luzhi Ancient Town

A trip to Luzhi Town is a delightful immersion into history and culture, and it’s the perfect first stop for you to experience ancient Chinese water towns. Here are the must-see highlights.

The Forest of Stone Bridges 

True to its nickname “Bridge Town,” Luzhi Town is home to 41 stone bridges from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. 

Among the forest of stone bridges in Luzhi Ancient Town, the two most famous bridges are Sanyuan Bridge and Wan’an Bridge. These structures respectively embody the architectural splendor of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Standing between the two bridges for a photograph allows you to simultaneously capture the essence of both dynasties.

Baosheng Temple

Baosheng Temple, founded in 503 AD, houses an astonishing national treasure: nine lifelike Tang Dynasty clay sculptures of Arhats. Crafted by Yang Huizhi, the “Sculpture Sage” of the Tang Dynasty, these statues are set against a backdrop of unique landscape reliefs, forming a rare and captivating masterpiece of art that ranks among China’s most treasured national treasures.

Additionally, the temple grounds feature a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree and ancient wisteria vines, evoking a profound sense of history.

Wansheng Rice Store 

Located on the west bank of the South Market River in Luzhi Town, Wansheng Rice Store was a time-honored establishment in Luzhi Town, founded in the early years of the Republic of China by two wealthy merchants from the Shen and Fan families. Moreover, it also served as the inspiration for the renowned work by Chinese literary figure Ye Shengtao.

The rice shop followed a “front shop, back workshop” layout. Inside the shop, a counter for grain transactions bears the sign “Gathering of Merchants.” Beyond the shop lies a spacious stone-paved courtyard. Passing through the courtyard leads to the “Leisi Hall,” where traditional Jiangnan rice farming tools and grain processing equipment are displayed, creating a unique “agricultural tools museum” steeped in the charm of the water town.

Shen’s House

The Shen’s House is a well-preserved luxury mansion in Luzhi Ancient Town, serving as the former home of Mr. Shen Bohan, a member of the Tongmenghui and educator in Luzhi Town. 

The Shen family was once wealthy, owning extensive properties. Since the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era, the colloquial saying “The Shen family owns half the town” has been widely circulated. The original building covers more than 3500 square meters, and the restored part which is available for visiting in the west is about 1000 square meters.

What to Do in Luzhi Ancient Town

A Boat Riding Experience

Taking a boat ride is the best way to experience the water town up close. In Luzhi Ancient Town, you can pay CNY 150 yuan to board a wooden boat with five companions during the day. For 20 minutes, gently sway to the rhythm of the river while admiring the ancient streets and old houses lining both banks. This will undoubtedly become one of the most cherished memories of your Suzhou tour.

View an Iron Flower Beating Show

From the first to the fifth day of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, between 6:30 PM and 7:50 PM each evening, you can enjoy the Chinese intangible cultural heritage folk performance of Iron Flower Beating at Luzhi Ancient Town.

This performance at Luzhi Ancient Town costs CNY 108 yuan for two people. After entering, you can admire the reflection of the iron flowers in the water and make your New Year’s wishes.

How to Get to Luzhi Ancient Town

Luzhi Water Town is conveniently located for a day trip from two major cities.

From Suzhou 

The easiest way to Luzhi Town is to take a bus directly from downtown Suzhou. You can take Metro Line 2 in Suzhou city center and get off at Jingu Road Station, then transfer to Bus Route 52. The journey to the Luzhi town takes about half an hour.

From Shanghai 

For efficiency, you can take about 30 minutes to take a high-speed train from Shanghai (Hongqiao or Shanghai Station) to Suzhou Railway Station, then transfer to a taxi or Bus Route 151 to Luzhi Town.

Plan Your Perfect Suzhou Tour with Easy Tour China

While Luzhi Ancient Town can be explored independently, the best way to appreciate its history and seamless travel is with a curated tour. To seamlessly experience Luzhi Town and Suzhou, let Easy Tour China craft your perfect itineraries. Here are some specialized itineraries about Suzhou:

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