Luzhi Ancient Town

Introducing Luzhi Ancient Town
Subordinate to Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Luzhi Ancient Town is situated in the east of Suzhou; it is 18km to the west of the downtown areas of Suzhou and 58km to the east of Shanghai. Luzhi has the mellow characteristics of the water towns in the southern Yangtze River. It’s not only famous for abundant water, bridges, lanes, historic houses, and celebrities, but also well-known for its Wall-Statue Arhats and the clothing of women of the water town.

Luzhi Ancient Town Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Luzhi Guzhen 甪直古镇
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, History and Culture, Cruise
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 from Apr to Oct; 08:00-16:30 from Nov to Mar
• Entrance Fee: ¥78/person; Zhanglin Park: ¥20/person; Cruise: ¥150/boat (1-4 people)
• Address: Luzhi Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Luzhi Ancient Town

With an area of 54 hectares, Luzhi Ancient Town is surrounded by vast lakes, shallow lakes, ponds and pools; inside Luzhi Ancient Town, there is a water system shaped like the Chinese character, which is formed by Dongshi River, Xishi River, Zhongshi River, Nanshi River and Xihui River. A river is usually accompanies by two streets at both sides and crisscross bridges. At the intersection of two rivers, there is usually a quay square, which is the important collecting and distributing centre of Luzhi Ancient Town. There is the “west market”, the “middle market” and the “east market”. This is the typical characteristic of Luzhi streets.

In the Luzhi Ancient Town, bridges are of various styles; mooring stones on the stone-paved revetments are engraved with beautiful designs, featuring various topics; the traditional clothes of women there are of unusual ingenuity and show the unique values of Luzhi’s customs and craftwork. Along with the development of commercial economy after the 15th century, Luzhi Ancient Town has become a town of significance in the east of Suzhou depending on its water transport advantages.

How to get to Luzhi Ancient Town

From Suzhou
• Take bus No. 18, 52, 518, 521, 523 or 563 and get off at Luzhi Ancient Town Station or Luzhi Station.

From Shanghai
• Take a direct bus from Shanghai Zhongshan North Bus Terminal to the town.

Additional travel advice on Luzhi Ancient Town
• Please take care when taking a river cruise.
• The old town is free to enter and exit. The entrance ticket is for 8 sites inside.