@Teachers and Students Nationwide
Free tour of Luzhi
Mr. Ye Shengtao
He was a pioneer of modern education in China.
Throughout his life, he has pondered the questions of “what is teaching” and “how to teach.”
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◆In 1917, the 23-year-old Ye Shengtao was invited to teach at the “Wugao” school in Luzhi. During this time, together with like-minded colleagues, he broke with the feudal education system, undertaking reforms and practical experiments in textbooks, curricula, and teaching methods, which proved successful.
◆In May 1977, at the age of 83, Ye Shengtao revisited Luzhi, where he said with deep emotion, “My true educational and creative journey began in Luzhi.” He also referred to Luzhi as his “second hometown.”
A century ago
Mr. Ye took the first step in educational reform at Luzhi.
It has left behind one touching tale after another.
Today, countless teachers and students
Following in the footsteps of Mr. Ye, tracing the history of Luzhi.
Pay tribute to Mr. Ye, learn from Mr. Ye, and draw closer to Mr. Ye.
This year marks the 130th anniversary of Mr. Ye Shengtao’s birth. To further promote his educational and literary spirit as well as his ideas on Chinese language education, starting July 1, Luzhi Ancient Town will offer free admission to teachers and students from across the country.
Teachers may enter the attraction by presenting their teacher ID; students may do so with their student ID, badge, or campus card; and middle- and high-school exam takers may enter with their junior‑high or college‑entrance exam admission tickets.
Tips: No ticket exchange is required; you can enter the six attractions in the ancient town—Baosheng Temple, Shen Residence, Xiao Residence, Wang Tao Memorial Hall, Wansheng Rice Mill, and the Water Town Agricultural Tools Museum—by presenting your ID.
To deepen the brand identity of “an educational wetland and a cultural oxygen bar,” Luzhi will, in conjunction with the 130th anniversary of Mr. Ye Shengtao’s birth, Teacher’s Day, and school holidays, seamlessly integrate cultural sites such as the Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall, the Ye Shengtao Research Center, the Shengweng Academy, the Feng Bin Composition Museum, and the Wansheng Rice Trading House, thereby launching a wider array of “education‑culture + tourism” offerings.
At the same time, we will organize signature events such as the “Ye Shengtao Teacher Literature Award Selection” and the “Ye Shengtao Chinese Language Classroom Teaching Exhibition,” develop a themed guesthouse inspired by Ye Shengtao’s fairy tale collection “The Scarecrow,” and leverage the strengths of art‑drawing workshops, educational training institutions, and study‑tour travel agencies to establish the Luzhi Ancient Town as a premier base for educational research and experiential learning. We will also design distinctive cultural‑creative products that incorporate local cultural elements, carry commemorative significance, and offer practical value. By highlighting key sites—including Caoxie Mountain Archaeological Park, the Tomb of Lu Guimeng, the Tomb and Former Teaching Site of Ye Shengtao, the Former Site of Wansheng Rice Mill, and the Luzhi Granary—we will forge a unique Ye Shengtao–centered education‑and‑culture industry cluster and cultivate a “one town, one specialty” identity, inviting more visitors to Luzhi to trace Ye’s footsteps and reflect on his outstanding contributions to basic education and other fields.
Chasing the Masters, Riding the Wave—The inaugural Suzhou Primary and Secondary School Fairy‑Tale Competition, themed around the ancient town’s “Luduan” mascot, invites young people to step into the vibrant world of fairy‑tale art, cultivating their sentiments, nurturing civility, and showcasing the dynamism of youth.
Free admission! Free admission! Free admission!
@Teachers and Students Nationwide
These free-admission attractions in Luzhi Ancient Town
Let’s take a look together.
PART 1
➤ A thousand-year-old ancient temple, savoring the elegance of the Tang and Song dynasties.
Baosheng Temple
PART 2
➤ Historic homes of celebrities, savoring the elegance of bygone days
Shen Residence & Xiao Residence
PART 3
➤ Study-and-Explore Museum Tours: Discovering Knowledge Through Fun and Curiosity
Wang Tao Memorial Hall & Wansheng Rice Mill & Water Town Agricultural Tools Museum
Turning back the clock to engage in dialogue with history, the Wang Tao Memorial Hall unveils the legendary life of Wang Tao, known as the “Father of Chinese Journalism.”
Wansheng Rice Shop, whose prototype was Wanchengheng Rice Shop located at the southern end of Yinzijia Ancestral Hall in Luzhi Town, stands as a testament to the region’s agricultural heritage. Within the Water‑Town Agricultural Tools Museum, traditional Jiangnan rice‑farming implements and grain‑processing equipment serve as living chronicles of the area’s rice‑cultivation culture, narrating the evolution of Luzhi’s farming traditions.
In addition, a wealth of engaging “Ye Shengtao Education and Culture + Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences” study-travel itineraries and activities await your discovery!
① Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall – Ye Shengtao Research Center – Wansheng Rice Mill – Ye Shengtao Path – Shengweng Academy (Thursday–Sunday)
② Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall – Ye Shengtao Research Center – Wansheng Rice Mill – Ye Shengtao Path – Feng Bin Composition Museum (Thursday–Sunday)
③ Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall – Baosheng Temple – Wansheng Rice Mill – Wang Tao Memorial Hall – Luzhi Sauce Factory
※Tips: The Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall is currently under renovation.
Explore the ancient town and engage in hands-on learning. At Luzhi, a “walking classroom,” you can visit the Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall and the Ye Shengtao Research Center to discover Mr. Ye’s deep connection with Luzhi and his remarkable achievements; head to Wansheng Rice Mill to learn about the bustling rice market of the Republic of China era and traditional farming scenes, try your hand at grinding rice with a stone mill, and master ancient weighing techniques; retrace the familiar path that Mr. Ye once took to teach at the “Five Highs”—the Ye Shengtao Trail—and savor his heartfelt spirit. Finally, pay a visit to the Wang Tao Memorial Hall, delve into the master’s profound vision of reform, and experience the art of movable type printing firsthand.
You can also visit the Fuli Canteen, where, with the teacher’s guidance, you’ll get to make your own seasonal pastry unique to Luzhi. Step into the Luzhi Sauce Factory to learn about the origins and production process of Luzhi’s traditional sauces, and discover the intangible cultural heritage techniques used to craft Luzhi radishes. Follow the instructor to master a dance called “Luzhi Lianxiang,” experiencing firsthand the charm of this intangible cultural treasure. Then head to the Feng Bin Essay Museum for an engaging “Chinese language lesson.” Finally, stop by the Shengweng Academy to explore the life and writings of Mr. Ye. Through on-site visits, hands-on experiences, and meaningful exchanges, children will gain a vivid sense of Luzhi’s rich cultural heritage, cultivate a passion for history and culture, and enhance their overall competence and practical skills.
@Teachers and Students Nationwide
Effective July 1
Let’s enjoy a free visit to Luzhi Ancient Town together!
