Follow this route and make the most of your summer in Luzhi.-Luzhi Tourism_Luzhi Ancient Town 4A-level Tourist Scenic Area

　　“A winding path leads to a secluded haven, where the Zen chamber is nestled amid lush flowers and verdant trees.” Step into Baosheng Temple in summer, and you find yourself in a tranquil, serene space.

The Hall of the Heavenly Kings and the Ancient Relics Museum exude an enduring charm; as time has flowed over a thousand years, they have preserved the elegance of the Tang and Song dynasties for future generations to savor and relish.

Stepping into the West Courtyard, one encounters a tranquil expanse of greenery: lush lawns stretch out, reflecting the inscribed tablets beneath the colonnade, while a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree sways gracefully, its branches and leaves softly sheltering the duck pond below.

Footsteps leave imprints on the moss; as we walk through the lush passage of time, the image of Luzhi Ancient Town—a quintessential embodiment of Jiangnan’s cultural heritage—becomes ever more vivid and palpable.

Strolling along the ancient street, with bridges at every turn.

　　Strolling through the ancient street, the weathered flagstone paths stretch out, inviting you to savor the genuine, unhurried pace of life in homes that seem to cradle the water.

Strolling leisurely from Xihui Street to Dongshi Street, the winding lanes are filled with the savory aroma of Tianyi Braised Dishes, the sweet fragrance of autumn‑scented crabapple cakes, the earthy scent of noodles from Langqiao Noodle House, and the rich, slightly spicy aroma of Luzhi radishes.

The streets follow the river, with ancient stone bridges arching gracefully across its banks, weaving together the life of Shangxia Tang Street. At every confluence of the waterways, a square bridge and a round bridge meet, their forms seamlessly joined.

@Photography Cao Guangnuan

　　Just as you step off one bridge, you’re already climbing another; with every few steps and every bridge you cross, the charm of the water towns is brought to vivid life.

(Left: Sanyuan Bridge, Right: Wan’an Bridge)

　　Explore Luzhi: Simply scan the QR codes on the offline guideboards at the ancient bridges and scenic spots with your smartphone to access an online audio tour, available in both Suzhou dialect and Mandarin. Listen to the commentary as you explore, gaining a genuine sense of the time-honored charm of this water-town lifestyle.

Rowing through the waterways, summer’s shadows linger faintly.

　　Punting under the cool shade is a quintessential summer pastime in the water towns. Hop aboard a hand‑rowed boat and drift leisurely through Luzhi, where the river ripples with gentle waves, lined on both banks by rows of verdant trees, and sunlight filters through the leaves, scattering pools of golden light.

Amid the rhythmic splash of oars and the lilting strains of boat songs, a slender skiff glides beneath weathered ancient bridges, brushing past dark-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls as it slips deeper into the water‑lined alleys. A gentle river breeze stirs, carrying away the summer heat.

At this time, nothing could be better than a cool evening boat banquet—fragrant oil‑sautéed eel stew, Chenghu white fish, and stir-fried dishes from the lotus pond, all with light, delicate flavors that preserve the pure essence of the ingredients.

After a meal, a cup of clear tea to rinse your mouth—this tranquil, leisurely waterside lifestyle is just within reach.

Reading beneath the pillow, a faint fragrance fills my sleeves.

　　At the Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall, the Shen Residence, and the Wang Tao Memorial Hall, savor the profound legacy and unyielding spirit of Luzhi’s illustrious predecessors; then, at the Shengweng Academy, the Feng Bin Composition Museum, and the Centennial Textbook Gallery, seek out those fleeting moments of summer-inspired creativity.

At Feng Bin’s Writing Studio, the scent of books lingers in the air. Ascend to the second-floor teahouse, where a few tables and chairs are arranged by the window; lift your gaze to see soothing green banana leaves. Here, as you read and sip tea, you can savor the fragrance of literature and feel a refreshing coolness fill the room.

At Sanbai Bookhouse within the Jiangnan Cultural Park, the bright, airy interior is filled with the rich aroma of coffee, and before you know it, an entire afternoon has slipped by.

Imbued with the fragrance of books and steeped in an enduring literary tradition, Luzhi Ancient Town is suffused with poetic charm at every turn and exudes subtle elegance at every step.

Shengweng Academy, Feng Bin’s Essay Museum, and the Museum of Chinese Century-Long Chinese Language Textbooks

Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday

The bright moon shares our seat, and we drift into dreams of Jiangnan.

　　“Who shall I sit with? The gentle breeze and the bright moon—me.” On a crisp, tranquil summer night, bask in the silvery glow of the moon at a guesthouse in the ancient town of Luzhi.

Nestled within the poetic ambiance of Guangying Villa B&B, vintage waterside dwellings, weathered brick and stone façades, and intricately carved latticework windows all echo the refined elegance of Jiangnan life.

Eight guest rooms, each named after a poem, reflect a refined appreciation for life. Fully equipped with modern amenities, they offer a variety of room types to suit the diverse needs of every traveler. Stay here and drift off to sleep by the water, dreaming of the timeless charm of Jiangnan.

Boating through the waterways

Dreaming of Jiangnan

Experience the Summer in Luzhi

Encountering Luzhi | Cool and Refreshing—“Museum”-Enough!

Notice | The Baosheng Temple Ancient Relics Museum will reopen to the public starting August 2.