Awarded as “the first water town in China”, Luzhi has indescribable natural beauty for visitors to cherish. Old stone bridges, limpid water, venerable maidenhair trees and old-style dwellings as well as the traditional women's costumes, create an ideal 'civilized, rich, pastoral and harmonious' environment. Many travelers from all over the world enjoy the peace and tranquility.
Located in Kunshan city about 25 kilometers east of Suzhou, Luzhi is an old but extremely beautiful water town. With a history of more than 2500 years, it compares favorably to Zhouzhuang Town. Covering just one square kilometer, it has got the fame for beautiful natural scenery.
Another feature of the town is the distinctive traditional costume worn by the women. Both clothes and trousers are characteristically pieced together using different cotton materials in a variety of designs. In addition to wearing these interesting clothes, local women are accustomed to wearing colorful kerchiefs and embroidered shoes. Undoubtedly, these lovely local women wearing traditional Luzhi-style costumes add freshness and loveliness to the water town, like a beautiful landscape picture.
History and Culture
the water town was named after a Tang Dynasty recluse poet Lu Guimeng in this town. Lu Guimeng had a pseudonym, Mr. Pu-li. At that time, Puli consisted of two districts: Puli and Liuzhi. At the end of Qing dynasty, Puli was changed to Luzhi Township of Yuanhe County.
Zhengyang Bridge
Zhengyang Bridge is the biggest stone arch bridge in Luzhi town. It was built in the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644); It is known for being the first to receive sunshine in the early morning. Moreover, this old bridge is a vantage point for viewing the whole fascinating landscape of the water town.
Baosheng Temple
Built in 503, Baosheng Temple is a must-see historical site in Luzhi. This old temple has a history of more than 1500 years. Its nine famous clay arhats were sculptured in the Tang Dynasty and are still well preserved. Such arhats are not only rare in the region south of the Yangtze River but unique in the country.
Xiao HouseXiao House is the most integrated, well-preserved architecture dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Situated on Shangtang Street, Xiao House was built in 1889 and represents a typical southeast China house of a rich family of 19th century. Covering an area of over 1,000 square meters, the house is composed of dozens of rooms with a private lane named Xiao Lane. Visiting the house, you can relive the previous tenants' elegant style of life.
Wansheng Rice Shop
Built in 1910, Wansheng Rice Shop is an old-established rice shop that was once operated by two wealthy businessmen and now serves as the rice distribution centre for Luzhi and nearby towns. Many quaint antique agricultural tools are displayed for travelers to view.
Admission fee: 60 RMB/person
Opening hours: all day
Transportation
1. Take train to Suzhou Railway Station and then take NO.518 to Luzhi.
2. Take flight to Suzhou and transfer to Suzhou Railway Station and then take NO.518 to Luzhi.