Luzhi in Brief

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 1400 years, it compares favorably to Zhouzhuang Water Town. Covering just one square kilometer, it has been awarded the great name of 'the first water town in China'.

The natural beauty of the town is indescribable. Old stone bridges, limpid water, venerable maidenhair trees and old-style dwellings, as well as the traditional women's costumes, all creates an ideal civilized, rich, pastoral and harmonious environment. Many travelers from all over the world enjoy the peace and tranquility. In addition, Luzhi town is noted for several historical and cultural relics, such as Baosheng temple, the Wansheng Rice Company and the White Lotus Flower Temple of the North Song Dynasty. The town's most notable features are its numerous quaint stone bridges, which were built in the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Owing to that, Luzhi deserves its reputation as a 'Museum of Chinese Ancient Bridges.' At one time, there were 72 bridges in the tiny town; 41 still exist and are well preserved. All of the bridges are different to each other in both design and style.

Main Attractions

Zhengyang Bridge

Built in the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhengyang Bridge is the biggest stone arch bridge in Luzhi Water Town. 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.

Dongmei Bridge

Located on the eastern side of town, Dongmei Bridge is most famous for its unique structure and many Buddhist designs, which are listed in the history of Chinese bridges. It is a completely round bridge, half of which rests above the surface of the water and half of which lies below. The combination of Buddhist engravings and unique circular design makes this a very rare bridge that is definitely worth visiting.

Baosheng Temple: Built in 503, Baosheng Temple i 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. In addition, the temple boasts treasures from different dynasties, including a Buddhist stone pillar from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a stone flagpole from the North Song Dynasty (960-1279), a hall built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and an iron bell from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Xiao House

Xiao 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 Store 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 travellers to view.

Recommended Tours including the visit to Luzhi:

Shanghai Tour with Luzhi Water Town

• From USD 1339 pp
  8 Days Golden Triangle China Tour
• From USD 956 pp
  Tour Code: CL-01
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Shanghai

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  10 Days Tour of All China Highlights
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  Tour Code: CL-02
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Guilin,Shanghai

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  9 Days Best of China with Glof Tour
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  Tour Code: GF-02
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Shanghai

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  12 Days Beijing-Xian-Lhasa-Shanghai
• From USD 1899 pp
  Tour Code: XZ-01
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Lhasa,Shanghai

• From USD 2169 pp
  11 Day Classic China Tour with Yangtze Cruise
• From USD 1519 pp
  Tour Code: YZ-01
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Yangtze River,Shanghai