Encountering Luzhi | Cool and Refreshing—“Museum”-Enough!-Luzhi Tourism_Luzhi Ancient Town 4A-level Tourist Scenic Area

　　The Baosheng Temple Museum of Ancient Artifacts reopened on August 2. The clay‑sculpted Arhats in the museum were created by Yang Huizhi, the “Sculpture Sage” of the Tang Dynasty. Each figure seems to respond to the others, blending movement and stillness, capturing both form and spirit—like a three‑dimensional portrait scroll set against a landscape backdrop.

After enduring millennia of wind and weather, the clay‑sculpted Arhats remain vividly lifelike. The survival of these nine statues owes itself to a vigorous campaign to preserve Tang‑dynasty Arhat sculptures. In 1928, the main hall of the former Baosheng Temple collapsed due to years of disrepair, leaving the remaining Arhats in grave danger. At the urging of Cai Yuanpei, Gu Jiegang, and others, the Luozhi Tang Sculpture Preservation Committee was established, raising funds from various sources to build this museum of ancient artifacts. Stroll through its halls and savor the timeless beauty of these age‑old sculptures.

Address: Inside Baosheng Temple, Luzhi Ancient Town

Luzhi Water Town Women’s Costume Museum

Savor the charm of Jiangnan.

　　In 2006, the women’s costumes of Luzhi Water Town were included in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Characterized by vivid, vibrant colors and distinctive patchwork motifs, these traditional garments reflect the aesthetic sensibilities and creative ingenuity of the women of Luzhi Water Town.

Step into the Luzhi Water Town Women’s Costume Museum to learn about the classification, craftsmanship, and styles of the “Eight Major Items.” In addition, you can rent traditional water-town women’s attire free of charge at the Luzhi Visitor Center and try it on yourself, experiencing the exquisite elegance of the “Qinglian blouse and lotus‑colored skirt.”

Address: Within the Jiangnan Cultural Park, Luzhi Ancient Town

Rental address for women’s costumes in Luzhi Water Town: Information Desk, Luzhi Tourist Center (No. 21 Xiaoshi Road, Luzhi Town)

Luzhi Water Town Agricultural Tools Museum

Witnessing Agricultural Culture

　　The Luzhi Water Town Agricultural Tools Museum is located within the Wansheng Rice Mill. The Jiangdong plow on display exemplifies the largely standardized form of an important paddy‑field farming implement in the Jiangnan region, while more than a hundred authentic agricultural tools—ranging from those used for tilling to those for measuring—offer a comprehensive overview of Luzhi’s traditional farming implements.

The rustic farm tools seem like a living chronicle of the rice‑cultivation culture of Jiangnan’s water towns. In the experience zone, you can bring your children to try turning a stone mill and imitate guiding an ox‑drawn plow, gaining a firsthand sense of the hardships of farming and truly appreciating the meaning behind the saying, “Every grain is earned through toil.”

Address: No. 62, Xiatang Street, Nanshi, Luzhi Town (inside Wansheng Rice Mill)

Shen Zhai

Exploring Architectural Aesthetics

　　The Shen Residence was built by Shen Kuangfu, the grandfather of Shen Baihan. It features a well-organized layout and comprises five successive courtyards: the entrance hall, the sedan‑car hall, the ceremonial hall, the main hall known as “Lexiantang,” and the upper‑floor hall. The complex exemplifies a blend of official and commercial functions, with shops at the front and living quarters at the rear, and shops on the left side and workshops on the right.

The Shen Residence boasts elegant architecture, refined ornamentation, and exquisitely detailed carvings, making it a quintessential example of Suzhou‑style classical architecture. While appreciating the timeless ingenuity of traditional construction and the aesthetic sensibilities of the Suzhou school, visitors can also learn about Shen Baihan, a descendant of the Shen family, who founded Puli Primary School, devoted himself to local public welfare, and played a key role in rescuing Tang‑dynasty sculpted arhat figures—experiencing firsthand the Shen clan’s cherished family ethos of valuing culture and education, and practicing benevolence and charity.

Address: No. 23, Shangtang Street, Xihui, Luzhi Town

Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall

Pay homage to a paragon of teachers.

　　The Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall stands on the former site of the “Wugao” school, where Mr. Ye once taught in Luzhi. Buildings such as the Yuanyang Hall, the Women’s Building, and the Simei Hall have largely retained their original appearance from the Wugao era.

The exhibition hall traces the life of Mr. Ye as its central narrative, employing a wealth of historical materials and treasured artifacts to present in detail his illustrious career and his outstanding achievements and significant contributions in education, literature, and social activism. As you move from one display to the next, take time to reflect on the noble character and exemplary spirit of this great teacher.

Address: West side of Baosheng Temple, Luzhi Town

Wang Tao Memorial Hall

Approaching the Father of Journalism

　　The Wang Tao Memorial Hall comprises the Exhibition Room on Wang Tao’s Life and Deeds, his former residence, and the Taoyuan Garden. Upon entering the hall, hanging scrolls and display panels recount Wang Tao’s life story, shedding light on his pioneering role as the “father of Chinese newspapers” in founding the *Xunhuan Daily*.

Within the residence stands a three-bay yuanyang hall, above which hangs the plaque “Henghua Guan.” Strolling through Taoyuan, one can savor the picturesque scenery of lush bamboo groves and lotus ponds brimming with water lilies, while reflecting on the unyielding spirit of Luzhi’s literary figures.

Address: No. 6, Xiatang Street, Nanshi, Luzhi Town

“Basking” in the exhibition hall

A refreshing indoor swimming session has been scheduled.

Slow Talk in Fuli | Every Step, a Touch of Elegance—“Bridging” to the Timeless Alleys of Luzhi Old Street

Follow this route and make the most of your summer in Luzhi.