Luzhi – ancient water town near Suzhou
Luzhi (甪直古镇) is one of the oldest water towns near Suzhou, with a history of more than 2500 years. Here you will find unique stone bridges from the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, narrow canals lined with white houses and black tiled roofs. Unlike the more commercialized Zhouzhuang or Tongli, Luzhi retains a quiet, authentic atmosphere and offers a true immersion into the life of old China.
In one day we will walk along the embankments, visit the famous Baosheng Temple with its clay arhat statues, explore the mansions of wealthy merchants, climb ancient bridges and take a boat ride along the quiet canals. An ideal place for those who want to see a real water town without crowds of tourists.
Main attractions
What awaits you
- Morning departure from Shanghai – meeting at Hongqiao station, boarding a high-speed train to Suzhou (≈30 minutes).
- Arrival in Suzhou – transfer to a bus to Luzhi (≈1 hour) or a comfortable rental car.
- Lunch at a local restaurant – taste traditional Suzhou dishes: duck, sweet rice balls, shrimp noodles.
- Walk through the ancient town – visit Baosheng Temple with its famous clay arhats, explore the Shen and Xiao family mansions, stroll along the embankment.
- Boat ride on the canals – 30-minute cruise under bridges, see the town from the water.
- Free time for photos and souvenirs – narrow streets, tea and sweet shops.
- Return to Shanghai – evening train or transfer, arrival around 21:00.
Approximate one-day tour program
*Times may be adjusted depending on train schedules and weather.
| Time | Program stage | Details & transport |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Meeting at Shanghai Hongqiao station | Meeting with the guide, boarding a train to Suzhou (e.g., G7002 at 07:30). |
| 07:30–08:00 | Train to Suzhou | High-speed train, travel time 30–40 minutes. Ticket ~40¥. |
| 08:00–09:00 | Transfer to Luzhi | By bus from Suzhou station to Luzhi (bus 518 or tourist bus) – 1 hour, ~5¥. Or taxi (~200¥, 40 minutes). |
| 09:00–09:30 | Arrival in Luzhi, ticket purchase | Combined ticket (78¥) gives access to the temple, mansions and museum. |
| 09:30–12:30 | Sightseeing tour | Baosheng Temple (30 min), Shen Family Mansion (20 min), Xiao Family Mansion (20 min), walk across bridges (Hefeng Bridge, Zhengyang Bridge). |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch | Local cuisine restaurant (e.g., "Luzhi Laojie") – try Suzhou-style duck and sweet rice balls (≈70¥). |
| 13:30–14:30 | Boat ride | 30-minute cruise along the canals (≈40¥ per person). Great photo opportunities. |
| 14:30–16:00 | Free time, museums | Visit the Town History Museum, bamboo weaving workshop (optional). |
| 16:00–16:30 | Gathering and departure from Luzhi | Transfer to Suzhou station. |
| 16:30–17:30 | Road to Suzhou | Bus or taxi. |
| 17:30–18:10 | Train to Shanghai | For example, G7029 at 18:00. Arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao at 18:40. |
| 19:00 | Tour ends | Guide accompanies to metro or railway station. |
💡 Important notes:
- Train tickets should be purchased in advance via the 12306 app or with the guide's help.
- Comfortable shoes are a must – lots of cobblestones and bridges.
- Entrance ticket to Luzhi can be purchased separately for each attraction or as a combined ticket (savings).
- Camera – plenty of beautiful views.
Cost and conditions
Tour cost
Train + taxi
1 dayServices of a Russian-speaking guide, help with train ticket purchase, route planning, accompaniment all day. Transfer to/from stations – on your own.
By car
ComfortGuide services + sedan rental (up to 3 persons) for the whole day, including transfer from Shanghai to Luzhi and back.
Approximate expenses per person
- Train Shanghai–Suzhou (round trip, 2nd class) ~80¥ (~11$)
- Bus/taxi Suzhou–Luzhi (round trip) ~50¥ (~7$)
- Combined entrance ticket for Luzhi 78¥ (~11$)
- Boat ride ~40¥ (~6$)
- Lunch ~70¥ (~10$)
Duration
Additional services
Frequently asked questions
Important information
The indicated prices are valid at the time of offer for private individuals. Costs and availability of train tickets, hotels and guide services may change.
Booking services is made only after receiving a prepayment. Conversion rate is calculated at the current exchange rate.
If cancellation occurs less than 7 days before the start of the event, the payment is non-refundable.
In case of train cancellation due to weather conditions, we will offer alternative dates or refund the prepayment for guide services (transport tickets are refunded according to the carrier's rules).
