Encountering Luzhi | “Street” Tales of Luzhi: A Wanderer’s Guide to the Old Town-Luzhi Tourism_Luzhi Ancient Town 4A-level Tourist Scenic Area

　　Entering Xihui Street from Lüduan Square, this historic thoroughfare—once one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Fuli”—has long been renowned for its bustling commerce and was known as the “Xihui Dawn Market.” Amidst the lively urban scene lies Baosheng Temple, a thousand-year-old monastery that quietly nestles in the heart of the city.

Baosheng Temple was founded in the second year of the Tianjian era (503) under Emperor Wu of the Liang dynasty, of the Southern Dynasties, and has a history spanning more than 1,500 years. Within the museum of ancient artifacts, the sculpted arhat wall created by Yang Huizhi, known as the “Sculpture Sage” of the Tang dynasty, is strikingly lifelike—some seated, some standing, some lost in contemplation, others gazing with stern intensity—each figure rendered with exquisite detail. Time may have passed gently and elegantly, yet these sculptures alone encapsulate the splendor of a millennium.

Before the Museum of Antiquities, Tang‑era pillars and Song‑era pedestals, stone brackets for banners, and a massive iron bell stand proudly in the courtyard, together composing a finely carved tableau of history. Within the temple, every object and feature faithfully bears witness to the millennial past of this ancient town, awaiting future generations to explore and uncover its secrets.

Explore the Charm of Water Towns

It lies in the unintentional glance that makes one pause.

　　The ancient town of Luzhi is situated at the confluence of five lakes and the crossroads of six waterways. Its intricate network of canals crisscrosses the town, with bridges standing densely along the waterways and boats gliding gently beneath the rhythmic strokes of oars. Amid the soft lapping of oars and the gentle creak of wooden hulls, the timeless charm of the Jiangnan water towns unfolds in an enduring elegance.

With forty-one ancient stone bridges still standing, Luzhi is renowned as the “Museum of Ancient Chinese Bridges,” where arched bridges span gracefully like Rainbow Bridges and beam bridges exude delicate elegance, together capturing the timeless charm of a water‑town landscape.

Crossing the bridge, you enter the Jiangnan Cultural Park from Xiatang Street in Nanshi. Here, pavilions, terraces, and elegant structures stand alongside quaint little bridges and flowing streams; fragrant flowers and verdant trees cast dappled shade across the grounds, while winding corridors weave through a tapestry of ever‑changing vistas.

Strolling through the garden, you can visit the Luzhi Water Town Women’s Costume Museum to admire the allure of the “Qinglian Shirt,” then head to the ancient opera stage for a special performance, deepening your appreciation of the water town’s charming ambiance.

Savor the ebb and flow of life’s simple joys.

Must-Visit Shops on Old Street

　　The old street winds along the river, unfolding a townscape of “two streets flanking a river.” Lined with shops and dotted with unevenly spaced residences, its narrow lanes conceal a wealth of must‑try delicacies and snacks.

The Luozhi Sauce Factory’s retail outlet, Tianyi Aowei Restaurant, and Qiu Xiang Haitang Cake shop are all must‑visit spots. Classic local treats like the savory‑yet‑sweet Luozhi pickled vegetables, the tender, richly flavored Fuli pork trotters, and the crispy‑on‑the‑outside, soft‑on‑the‑inside Haitang cake each boast their own distinctive charm.

Head to teahouses like Nanshi Teahouse, Yuanfeng Tea House, and Xinlanju, settle your mind, savor a cup of fine tea, and fully relish the leisurely half-day of life.

Luzhi boasts a wealth of cafés; stop by Meinong Coffee, Motaishi Coffee, or Sanbai Bookstore for a cup of coffee and a good book, and savor a refreshing afternoon.

For an authentic taste of Suzhou cuisine, restaurants like Xihui Restaurant, Luyin Jiangnan, and Heyuan Restaurant are all excellent choices. Savor the local specialties—such as Fuli Duck, Shrimp Paste with Eel in Hot Oil, Silverfish Stir-Fried with Eggs, and seasonal lotus‑pond delicacies—and experience the flavors that define Luzhi.

Among the old streets and alleys of Luzhi

Brimming with poetry and humanism

Bringing together the vibrant, everyday charm of the water towns.

Wandering through it

The freehand, leisurely lifestyle of the Jiangnan water towns

Bewitching and unforgettable

Encountering Luzhi | Misty rain drifts into Luzhi, and early autumn brings a refreshing coolness.

Announcement | Adjustments to the ticketing policy at the Luzhi Scenic Area—“Benefits” Abound in the Water Town