The 2011 China International Tourism Apparel and Accessories Exhibition opened on April 22 at the Suzhou International Expo Center. From April 22 to 24, a wide array of professional tourism attire, fashionable travel apparel, innovative fabrics, and cutting-edge tourism‑related technologies were showcased, with exhibitors hailing from Japan and 17 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China. The exhibition featured several pavilions, including a general hall, region‑specific themed pavilions, branded apparel displays, and a Japan Pavilion. Notably, the Suzhou Pavilion and the pavilions representing Suzhou’s cities and districts were all presented in specially designed installations. Luzhi Tourism Company’s travel apparel and scenic‑spot exhibits were displayed in both the Suzhou Pavilion and the Wuzhong District Pavilion.

Shao Qiwei, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the China National Tourism Administration, along with Mayor Yan Li and other officials, inspected the exhibition site. Shao Qiwei highly commended the ingenious design of the Suzhou pavilion and the clothing and accessories that vividly captured the charm of Suzhou’s water towns. He noted that tourism apparel should be innovative—for instance, uniforms at star-rated hotels need not remain static; they could be more varied and versatile. If reception staff wear qipaos, pairing them with an outer jacket would enhance both convenience and practicality. At the same time, as tourists’ activities become increasingly diverse, there is a growing demand for garments that are not only aesthetically appealing but also offer rain protection, breathability, and warmth. Mayor Yan Li stated that Suzhou, with its dual strengths in tourism and garment manufacturing, will continue to make significant contributions to the further development of the tourism‑related apparel industry.

Among the exhibits at the Suzhou Pavilion, the most eye‑catching are undoubtedly the tourist costumes originating from Luzhi Ancient Town, which have been refined on the basis of the traditional women’s attire of Luzhi’s water towns. As early as June 2006, this women’s costume was approved and officially designated by the State Council as one of the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage items. Today, Luzhi Tourism Company places great emphasis on both preserving and developing this heritage: while retaining the essence of the water‑town attire to the greatest extent possible, it has also made moderate refinements in floral patterns and color schemes. These costumes serve as the official uniforms for tour guides, boatwomen, and staff at local attractions, aiming to better safeguard and pass down Luzhi’s traditional dress culture, fully showcase its profound cultural legacy, and—being the sole national intangible cultural heritage representing Suzhou’s water‑town attire—align with the theme of this exhibition, thus becoming a flagship representation of Suzhou’s tourism‑related water‑town fashion.

Meanwhile, in the Wuzhong exhibition area, images of attractions from Luzhi Ancient Town are prominently displayed. As the only ancient town in Wuzhong District renowned for its water‑town charm, Luzhi boasts a rich history spanning more than 2,500 years and a profound cultural heritage, making it an ideal embodiment of the theme “Suzhou Amid Mountains and Waters, Wuzhong Rich in Humanistic Spirit.”