Hefeng Bridge, also known as the Sino‑American Bridge, spans the junction of the East and West City Rivers in the ancient town. Built during the Song Dynasty, it is the town’s oldest surviving bridge and one of the oldest extant stone arch bridges in the Jiangnan region. With a single‑span opening of 10 meters, the bridge faithfully preserves the Song‑era technique of constructing its arches. Despite the passage of time, it continues to see boats coming and going and streams of pedestrians, evoking the timeless charm of the Song era.

The Dajue Temple Bridge and the Dayao Xianghua Bridge, both located in Dayao Natural Village, are also two flat-beam bridges that date back to the Song Dynasty. The Dajue Temple Bridge features relief carvings of Buddhist and mythological motifs; its sculptural technique is smooth and rounded, with fluid lines, endowing it with exceptional artistic value. In 1995, the Dayao Xianghua Bridge and the Dajue Temple Bridge were jointly designated as Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Sites.

Crossing Xianghua Bridge and stepping into Xianghua Lane, this short alley is one of the oldest in the ancient town; at its end stands the famed Baosheng Temple. Walking through Xianghua Lane feels like traversing a thousand years, slipping back into the breezes of the Tang and the moonlit nights of the Song—poetic and lingeringly evocative.

At No. 7 Xianghua Lane, enjoy a cup of tea at Xinlan Jupin, savoring the tranquil moments of Luzhi amid vintage charm and the fresh aroma of tea.

Jinli Bridge is situated at the eastern end of Xihui Shangtang Street, where it meets Zhongshi Street. Together with the teahouse to its south, it forms a quintessential landmark of the ancient town.

This spot was once the filming location for the “Daughter Kingdom” episode of the 1986 version of “Journey to the West,” where the four pilgrims first entered the realm. Tourists and fans alike gather by the bridge—some strike poses reminiscent of Tang Sanzang and his disciples, while others mimic the regal demeanor of the Daughter Kingdom’s queen, asking their companions to snap a photo to mark their visit.

Standing on the bridge, you can take in the bustling splendor of Zhongshi Street and Xihui Street; as a boat glides by, the boatwoman’s swift rowing reveals the vibrant scenery of Zhongshi Street, unfolding before your eyes.

Located at the easternmost tip of the ancient town, Zhengyang Bridge is the largest historic stone bridge in Luzhi Ancient Town. Constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it boasts a span of 9.9 meters, its arch resembling a long rainbow. In bygone days, it was counted among the “Eight Scenic Spots of Fuli,” known as “Long Rainbow Reflecting the Moon.” As the Qing‑dynasty poet Ge Run wrote in his poem “Long Rainbow Reflecting the Moon”: “A round, vast moon shines upon the river’s beam, while the rainbow’s shadow curves like an endless ribbon. A single stream of cold light flows on without end, and the sound of the jade flute chills the night as dawn begins to cool.”

In the western courtyard of Baosheng Temple stands what is said to be Luzhi’s “smallest” bridge: the East Chuihong Bridge and the West Chuihong Bridge. Spanning the Douya Pond, these two bridges, with the Qingfeng Pavilion in their midst—resembling a temple—form a distinctive “temple‑over‑bridge” scene together with the petite, exquisitely crafted Chuihong Bridge.

Within the town of Luzhi, there are as many as five pairs of bridges: Hefeng Bridge and Huanyu Bridge, Dongmei Bridge and Jiaohui Bridge—one square, one round; Sanyuan Bridge and Wan’an Bridge—one tall, one low; Nanchang Bridge and Yongfu Bridge—one wide, one narrow; and also Jin’an Bridge and Huanbi Bridge—each contributing to Luzhi’s timeless charm along its rivers and arches.

The renowned painter Yang Mingyi came to Luzhi and captured “Festivals in the Water Town” beneath the Dongmei Bridge and the Jiaohui Bridge.

When Mr. Ye Shengtao was teaching in Luzhi, he and his wife often walked along the Mianniu Jingbang to “No. 5 High School” for their classes. After revisiting Luzhi in 1977, the venerable scholar wrote with deep emotion: “At Douya Pool, remnants still linger; by Mianniu Jing, I recall our steps side by side.” In the water‑town’s narrow lanes and alleys, enduring human stories are quietly tucked away at every turn.

Today, tourists flock here, pausing on the Sanyuan and Wan’an Bridges, while at the Hefeng and Huanyu Bridges, they capture with their cameras the poetic, picturesque scenery of Luzhi. Just stepping off one bridge, they climb onto another; between every three steps and two bridges, they savor the unique charm and ambiance that belong only to this Jiangnan water town.