Luzhi, situated at the confluence of the Five Lakes and the Six Waterways.

A pool of clear water reflects a thousand years of memory.

Nurturing an authentic, natural way of life.

It has also given rise to a series of uniquely flavorful dishes.

Among them, Ao Zao noodles are more than just a bowl of noodles.

It is, above all, the gentle charm of Jiangnan—the unique, refined taste of the people of the water towns.

“Soup is the soul, noodles are the body, and toppings are the foundation.”

A bowl of Ao Zao noodles

From the noodles and broth to the toppings, every element is meticulously crafted.

In Luzhi, the exquisite flavor of Ao‑zao noodles is fully captured in every sip of their broth. A rich red soup and a delicate white soup—carefully simmered with an array of Jiangnan‑style river delicacies like freshwater fish heads, snails, eels, and river shrimp, alongside poultry such as chicken, duck, and pork bones—are both authentically flavorful and brimming with fresh, seasonal ingredients, much like the tranquil waters of Jiangnan, serene yet profoundly deep.

These specially crafted dragon‑whisker noodles are delightfully smooth and springy, as white as silver threads, embodying the gentle finesse of Jiangnan. They dance lightly in the broth, soaking up its rich essence. With each bite, their silky texture melds seamlessly with the robust, flavorful soup, as if performing a sumptuous dance on the palate.

A rich variety of toppings gives each bowl of Ao Zao noodles its own distinct character. Crispy‑on‑the‑outside, tender‑on‑the‑inside fried fish; succulent, juicy duck‑fat‑glazed ham; golden, crunchy pork chops… Each ingredient shines in just the right way, together weaving a tapestry of flavors and textures that make this bowl so wonderfully diverse.

A day in the life of a Luzhi resident begins with a bowl of delicious Aozao noodles. As you wander through the picturesque ancient town of Luzhi, bustling alleyways brimming with local charm are lined with numerous distinctive Aozao noodle shops. Among them, Langqiao Aozao Noodle House—once tucked beside Junlin Bridge and now relocated to No. 63 Zhongshijie—is a favorite among both locals and visitors.

The antique‑style architecture gleams in the sunlight, while the interior design seamlessly blends Jiangnan culture with modern minimalism, creating a dining space that is both elegant and inviting. Richly colored and bursting with flavor, the signature dishes include crispy fried fish noodles, tender braised pork noodles, and savory, aromatic spare‑rib noodles—each offering an irresistible aroma that tantalizes the palate.

Sitting quietly within, savor a bowl of the signature Aozuo noodles and let your palate revel in the rich, multifaceted charm of Luzhi. Outside the window, the town bustles with lively foot traffic and the warm, inviting essence of everyday life; inside, fragrant aromas linger, and diners sit contentedly. In that moment, time seems to stand still, leaving only your taste buds to fully indulge in this grand feast of flavors.

Luzhi Ao Zao Noodles

It is the gustatory legacy of Jiangnan culture.

It is a culinary treasure refined by the passage of time.

Every bite is a heartfelt longing for the Jiangnan region.

Every subtle flavor is a beautiful hope for life.