Luzhi Ancient Town Travel Guide for Foreigners

General Information

• Location: Luzhi Ancient Town is located in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, about 25 kilometers southeast of the ancient city of Suzhou. It is a well-known ancient water town in the Taihu Lake Scenic Area3.
• History: With a history of more than 2,500 years, Luzhi has a profound historical and cultural heritage. It has witnessed the development and changes of the Jiangnan region over the centuries.
• Opening Hours: The town is open from 08:00 to 17:00.
• Admission Fee: The admission fee is around RMB 100. Some additional experiences such as taking a ferry boat may have an extra cost (about RMB 60 for a boat that can accommodate 6 people).

Highlights and Attractions

• Ancient Bridges: Luzhi is renowned as the "Museum of Ancient Bridges". There are about 41 well-preserved ancient stone bridges of different styles and sizes in the town. These include multi-arched big bridges, solo-arched bridges, and unique twin bridges. The bridges have withstood the test of time and are not only means of transportation but also works of art, adding charm to the ancient town.
  • Zhengyang Bridge: It is the largest stone arch bridge in Luzhi. It is famous for being the first to receive sunshine in the early morning and is a great vantage point for viewing the entire captivating landscape of the water town.
  • Dongmei Bridge: Located on the eastern side of the town, this bridge is famous for its unique structure and many Buddhist designs. It is a completely round bridge, half of which is above the water surface and half is below. The combination of Buddhist engravings and the unique circular design makes it a rare and remarkable bridge worth visiting.
• Historical Sites:
  • Bao Sheng Temple: Built in 503 BC, it is a must-see historical site. The temple houses nine famous clay arhats sculptured in the Tang Dynasty, which are still well preserved. These arhats are not only rare in the region south of the Yangtze River but also unique in the country. Additionally, the temple boasts treasures from different dynasties, such as a Buddhist stone pillar from the Tang Dynasty, a stone flagpole from the Northern Song Dynasty, a hall built during the Ming Dynasty, and an iron bell from the Qing Dynasty.
  • Shen's House: Built by a wealthy merchant in the Qing Dynasty, Shen's House shows the typical residential complex of the rich people at that time. The architecture is well-preserved and reflects the living style and architectural style of the past.
  • Xiao House: It is the most integrated and well-preserved architecture dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It represents a typical wealthy family's house in southeast China in the 19th century. The house consists of dozens of rooms and has a private lane named Xiao Lane.
• Cultural Elements:
  • Traditional Costume: The traditional clothing worn by the local women is another feature of the town. Both the clothes and trousers are characteristically pieced together using different cotton materials in a variety of designs. In addition to wearing these interesting clothes, local women are accustomed to wearing colorful kerchiefs and embroidered shoes. The sight of these lovely local women in traditional costumes adds freshness and loveliness to the water town.
  • Literary Heritage: The famous modern Chinese writer Ye Shengtao has a deep connection with Luzhi. There is a Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall in the town, which showcases the life and literary achievements of Ye Shengtao, adding a touch of literary charm to the ancient town.

How to Get There

• From Suzhou: There are many buses from Suzhou to Luzhi. Tourist buses depart from Suzhou Railway Station for Luzhi daily. Suzhou North Bus Station also offers bus services to Luzhi. From 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, a bus leaves the North Bus Station every 30 minutes, and the ticket price is about 7 yuan per person.
• From Shanghai: Around 10 buses leave from Shanghai Bus Station (806, Zhongshan Bei Lu) for Luzhi daily. On weekends or major festivals, special tourist buses may be operated on this route (such as departing from Shanghai Yangpu Sport Center at 7:30, Hongkou Football Stadium at 8:00, and Shanghai Sport Stadium at 8:30).
• From Other Nearby Towns: If you are coming from Tongli, which is about 65 kilometers away from Luzhi, you can take a tourist bus for about 12 yuan.

Tips

• Weather: The area has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before your visit and bring appropriate clothing and rain gear if necessary.
• Photography: The ancient town offers many beautiful sceneries and architectures, making it a great place for photography. Don't forget to bring your camera or mobile phone to capture the wonderful moments.
• Local Customs: Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting. Some historical sites and buildings may have specific regulations and taboos, so follow the instructions and signs.
• Food: Try the local specialties such as Suzhou-style snacks, pastries, and local dishes in the restaurants and food stalls in the ancient town. They can give you a taste of the unique flavors of Jiangnan cuisine.