[2025 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Luxiang Ancient Village (Updated Jul)

Another Saturday is here in the blink of an eye—why not embrace nature and shake off that office fatigue? Rui recommends this fantastic mountain hiking route for you: Yuhua Scenic Area → Moli Peak → Baisha Village → Luxiang Ancient Village → Twenty-Four Bends → Caowu → Yuhua Scenic Area Starting from Yuhua Scenic Area, summit Moli Peak for breathtaking views of Taihu Lake. Pass through the quaint Baisha Village and Luxiang Ancient Village, then take on the thrilling Twenty-Four Bends before returning to the starting point via Caowu. Along the way, soak in the stunning lake and mountain scenery of East Taihu, immersing yourself in nature's beauty and wilderness fun. This 14-kilometer journey will leave you exhilarated and drenched in sweat—pure satisfaction. Stay overnight at Ruijiang Courtyard Homestay near Yuhua Scenic Area, a charming Jiangnan-style garden retreat that’s both cozy and relaxing. The next morning, enjoy a delightful nine-square breakfast in the cool morning breeze—the ultimate indulgence.

Located in Wuzhong District, Suzhou, Dongshan Island is a peninsula extending into Taihu Lake. The island features mountains, water, gardens, ancient villages, and traditional houses, earning it the nickname "Little Kamakura of Taihu Lake"🌈—a perfect blend of natural scenery and cultural attractions. Here, you can pick Biluochun tea in April🍵, harvest loquats in May🍈, pick tangerines in September🍊, and enjoy hairy crabs in October🦀. For other times, just pick a sunny day to visit, as the island's scenery is stunning and photogenic📷. Departing from Shanghai, it's a 🚗2-hour drive—arrive by 9 AM! Follow the route below to start your island tour! ▪️Route Options Classic Version (attraction highlights, ticket info, and nearby dining, see Figure 3) 1️⃣ Daixinwan Bridge—2️⃣ Qiyuan Garden⭐️—3️⃣ Yuhua Shengjing (Moli Peak)—4️⃣ Carved Flower Mansion—5️⃣ Luxiang Ancient Village—6️⃣ ATE Lakeside Café (Note: Entrance fees for Dongshan Island’s attractions are quite high. If prioritizing, here’s a reference: Qiyuan Garden👍 > Carved Flower Mansion > Luxiang Ancient Village > Yuhua Shengjing) Free Version (attraction highlights and nearby dining, see Figure 4) 1️⃣ Daixinwan Bridge—2️⃣ Xiangshui Jian—3️⃣ Bao’an Ancient Temple—4️⃣ Yangwan Ancient Village—5️⃣ ATE Lakeside Café—6️⃣ Shijing (Bus Stop) ▪️Accommodation Suggestions Dongshan Hotel or the guesthouse street near Shijing (Bus Stop) ▪️Fruit-Picking Experience Loquats in May–June: Head to Youchegang Bridge’s loquat street for direct purchase (~💰20–25/jin). Alternatively, book with locals for picking experiences—available island-wide. ▪️Nearby Destinations Xishan Island, Suzhou (see homepage for guide) Sanshan Island (ferry from Dongshan Changqi Pier🚢 to Sanshan Island Qi Pier) Qionglong Mountain Wangshan

Here’s a tailored in-depth travel guide for national visitors to the Dongshan Scenic Area of Taihu Lake, blending transportation, attractions, cultural experiences, and a culinary map to help you fully immerse in the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage: 1. Transportation Guide: Multi-Dimensional Access (1) Cross-Regional Travel Options 1. High-Speed Rail + Shuttle - Northern travelers: Take a high-speed train from Zhengzhou East Station to Suzhou North Station (~4.5 hours), then taxi to Dongshan (~1 hour, ¥120); or transfer to Metro Line 2 to "Shihu East Road" Station, then take Bus 62 directly to Dongshan Bus Station (~2 hours total). - Yangtze River Delta travelers: From Shanghai Hongqiao Station, take a high-speed train to Suzhou Station (25 mins), then transfer to Bus 502 to Dongshan; from Nanjing South Station, take a high-speed train to Suzhou North Station (1 hour), then taxi to Dongshan (~50 mins). 2. Self-Driving Routes - Shanghai-Nanjing route: Hu-Ning Expressway → Suzhou Ring Expressway → Dongshan exit, follow Wuzhong Avenue to Taihu Ring Road. - Zhejiang route: Su-Jia-Hang Expressway → Suzhou Ring Expressway → Dongshan exit (~2.5 hours). - Anhui route: Ning-Hang Expressway → Suzhou Ring Expressway → Dongshan exit; use navigation to avoid holiday traffic on Taihu Ring Road. (2) Local Travel Tips 1. Island Loop Buses: Routes 627 (south loop) and 629 (north loop) connect key attractions (¥2, last bus at 18:30). Recommended: Take 629 along Taihu’s shoreline for picturesque views. 2. Cycling: Rent shared bikes and explore dedicated paths. Suggested route: From Luxiang Ancient Village to Daixinwan Bridge (~10 km), enjoying lakeside breezes. 3. Private Car Hire: Groups can book local cars (~¥300/day) for flexible stops, ideal for families or photographers. 2. Core Attractions: A Dual Feast of Nature and Culture (1) Historical Exploration 1. Carved Mansion (¥60) - Architectural marvel: Built over 3 years by Xiangshan craftsmen, featuring 3,854 carvings blending myths and Western motifs, with hidden mechanisms. - Cultural activity: Try Suzhou brick carving (¥80/person) and make a "fortune" rubbing. 2. Luxiang Ancient Village (¥65; free before 8 AM/after 5 PM) - Ming-Qing charm: Hometown of Ming Dynasty official Wang Ao, with three historic archways and 300+ ancient buildings. - Night highlight: On May 2, witness the "Floating Stage" parade with children reenacting classic operas. 3. Qi Garden (¥45) - Lakeside retreat: A rare Jiangnan garden extending into Taihu Lake, featuring Emperor Kangxi’s dock and ancient trees. Best visited at dawn for crowd-free photos. (2) Nature Escapes 1. Yuhua Scenic Area (¥45) - Hiking: Climb Moli Peak (293m) for panoramic Taihu views, then enjoy Biluochun tea at the summit teahouse. - Night magic: From May 1-30, "Glow Forest" lights up with firefly displays (night ticket ¥19.9). 2. Daixinwan Bridge (Free) - Instagram spot: The S-curve bridge mirrors Japan’s Kamakura. Best shot at dusk with golden reflections. 3. Sanshan Island (¥78 + ¥20 ferry) - Island life: Take a 25-minute ferry from Changqi Pier, cycle 7 km to see geological wonders, and stay overnight in lakeside lodgings. - Seasonal fun: Pick loquats mid-May to early June (~¥50/person). 3. Immersive Experiences: Seasonal & Cultural (1) Hands-On Crafts 1. Biluochun Tea Making (¥150/person) - Pick and fry tea leaves in April, taking home your batch. 2. Song Brocade Weaving (¥120/person) - Learn ancient patterns and craft silk accessories. (2) Seasonal Events 1. Loquat Festival (May 1-30) - Starlit parties, games, and orchard challenges with prizes. 2. Autumn Lake Delicacies (Sept-Nov) - Feast on hairy crab and pick tangerines. 4. Stay & Dine: Dongshan’s Flavors (1) Lodging Picks 1. Luxury: - Taihu Lakeside Hotel: State guesthouse with private docks. - Zen-themed Hidden House: Offers calligraphy and tea ceremonies. 2. Budget: - Carved Mansion Homestay: Traditional courtyard (¥150/person with breakfast). - Sanshan Island farm stays: All-inclusive seafood meals (~¥200/person). (2) Food Trail - Must-tries: Crispy "sock-bottom" pastries (¥10/bag) and snow dumplings. - Sip: Biluochun tea ceremonies or loquat-themed lattes at lakeside cafés. 5. Pro Tips 1. Save 42% with a Taihu combo ticket (¥138 for 5 sites). 2. Best seasons: April-May for tea/loquats; Sept-Nov for crabs/tangerines. 3. Avoid holiday traffic—park at Dongshan Hotel (¥10/day) and use buses. 4. Buy Biluochun/loquats at certified farms (pre-dawn visits for freshest picks). Whether you’re a nature lover or history buff, Dongshan’s lakeside charm promises an unforgettable Jiangnan journey.

This time, I ventured deep into the Dongshan Scenic Area of Suzhou to experience a leisurely cultural route. With mountains ⛰️, water 🌊, ancient villages, and temples, the entire trail is about 12km long, featuring stone steps 🪨, roads 🛣️, concrete paths, and dirt trails, with a total elevation gain of 530m. It’s very beginner-friendly, and with stops for photos, it takes about 5 hours. If you’re in good shape, you can finish it in under 3 hours. Recommended Route: Yuhua Scenic Area — Yuhua Chan Temple — Ciyun Nunnery — Moli Peak — Biluo Village (Caowu) — Twenty-Four Bends — Luxiang Ancient Village Route Highlights: ✔️ Yuhua Scenic Area As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a lush green lawn. Key attractions include the ancient Dongting Xuan residence, Ming Dynasty Twin Springs, Yinxin Stone House, Yuhua Chan Temple, and Zuimo Tower. Legend has it that there’s a peach grove here where petals 🌸 fall like rain in late spring, giving the area its name "Yuhua" (Rain of Flowers). ✔️ Moli Peak The highest peak ⛰️ in Dongshan, Suzhou’s Taihu Lake area, and the main summit of Dongshan. From the top, you can gaze over Taihu Lake, where the stunning blend of lake and mountain scenery resembles an exquisite ink painting, utterly mesmerizing. ✔️ Twenty-Four Bends Named for its steep, winding path with 24 bends, this is the main route from Luxiang Ancient Village to Dongshan Town. The descent offers breathtaking views of Taihu Lake—truly awe-inspiring. ✔️ Luxiang Ancient Village The best-preserved, highest-quality, and most numerous collection of Jiangnan-style architectural complexes 🏡, known as the "No. 1 Ancient Village by Taihu Lake." Strolling through its narrow alleys and ancient stone steps, you’ll find each old house exudes unique charm and historical depth, embodying a return to simplicity. Don’t miss the three memorial archways (Jieyuan, Huiyuan, and Tanhua) and the local white jade square cakes. Tips: 🔘 This route has different start and end points, both within the scenic area. Yuhua Scenic Area tickets cost ¥27 (¥18 for groups). The endpoint, Luxiang Ancient Village, is free if accessed via the trail (normally ¥55). 🔘 After descending Moli Peak, you’ll walk along Fahai Road to Biluo Village (Caowu). This section can be sunny, so if you’re fit, consider hiking up quickly and jogging down to reach Biluo Village by 11 AM. 🔘 The endpoint is the main gate of Luxiang Ancient Village. Explore the village before exiting, as re-entry requires a ticket—or take the Moli Peak ring road back in. 🔘 Near the village gate, there’s a restroom on one side and a charming teahouse on the other. Their milk tea is just tea with milk—healthy and perfect for relaxing with a book. Location: Dongshan Scenic Area, Wuzhong District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM (for the starting point, Yuhua Scenic Area)

Part 1 Must-Do Essentials at Taihu Lake 🚲The joy of Suzhou Taihu Lake exceeded expectations! The free lakeside cycling path offers a refreshing breeze along the shore, with cool lake winds carrying mist to soothe away urban anxiety instantly. 🍲Must-try farmhouse fish head soup, freshly caught and stewed in a clay pot, the milky broth paired with tender tofu is so delicious that three bowls still leave you wanting more. 🚣♀️New way to boat and pick lotus: ride a wooden boat through the lotus pond, pick fresh lotus pods and peel out the sweet lotus seeds, pin a dewy lotus flower at the bow for a super atmospheric photo. 📸At sunset, the reed marsh instantly turns into a movie scene; backlit shots make every hair glow. Remember to wear a light-colored long dress for better photos. 🛁Part 2 Stay in a Fairy Tale Cottage 💦The naked heart lakeside villa’s scenic bathtub faces Taihu Lake; soaking at dusk while the sunset dyes the water golden red, a glass of sparkling wine makes the moment romantic. 🌅Smart curtains open automatically at sunrise; lying in bed watching the sun rise from the lake while your partner is still sound asleep is even more touching than the view. 🍳The butler-made Aozao noodles topped with shrimp and eel back, eating slowly on the lakeside terrace with a tray, mom smiles and says, "This is how life should be." ✨The villa comes with a starry sky pool, lakeside barbecue area, and giant screen KTV, perfect for family gatherings around Shanghai/Suzhou (1.5-hour drive, easy to go). Already brought my parents for a second visit this year, every time there’s a new surprise! Click below 🌾Part 3 Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities Collection 🚴♀️Recommended to start cycling around the lake at 5:00 PM, chasing the gradient pink-orange sunset, the winding lakeshore looks just like the filming location of "Kikujiro’s Summer." 🎨Intangible cultural heritage experience hidden in Luxiang Ancient Village: learn Suzhou embroidery stitches from an embroiderer, personally draw Taihu stone patterns on a silk scarf, instantly upgrading your travel souvenirs. 🍜River delicacies with water shield soup are a must-order! The river delicacies among Taihu’s "Three Whites" are stir-fried with local chicken eggs; mixed with rice, it’s irresistibly fragrant for rice lovers. 📸By the lake wooden swing, it’s recommended to wear a JK uniform for photos; capture the moment when the swing reaches its highest point and the skirt flutters, easily getting over a hundred likes on social media. 🌸Part 4 Spontaneous Travel Guide 🚗Self-drive from Shanghai/Suzhou and set destination to "Taihu Fishing Port Village," avoid the popular check-in spots, navigate to "Lakeside Wetland" to reach the secret reed maze. ⏰The light from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM is super gentle; for backlit shots, bring a reflector. Straw hats and silk scarves serve as props and wind protection (temperature difference by the lake can reach 5℃). 📆Lotus flowers start blooming at the end of May; book a naked heart lakeside room now and get a free lotus picking experience. The room includes double breakfast featuring freshly simmered chicken pearl sugar water. 💡Special accommodation tip: stay 2 consecutive nights for a free upgrade to a lake view room, plus a complimentary boat ticket on Pingjiang Road in downtown for a "Taihu slow life + ancient city deep tour" double experience, truly a way to enjoy Taihu in many ways! ✨Right now, the wind at Taihu is flipping the pages of a notebook, mom is humming "Jasmine Flower" on the terrace while drying freshly picked lotus leaves. This kind of travel that soaks time into tea might just be the best way to open up Jiangnan.

🌸Best Time Mid-March to early April, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery in the early morning or at dusk. 📍Recommended Spots 1. Humble Administrator's Garden: Classical gardens + peach blossoms; wearing Hanfu for photos is highly recommended. 2. Jinji Lake Peach Blossom Island: Take a boat to the island and watch the sunset over the peach blossoms in the evening. 3. Taihu Linwu Cave: Explore the karst cave and enjoy the sea of peach and plum blossoms outside the cave. 4. Dongshan Luxiang Ancient Village: Ancient village peach blossoms + farmhouses; taste the "Taihu Three Whites". ✨Special Experiences** ✔ Enjoy Biluochun tea under the peach trees ✔ Take a night tour of Master-of-Nets Garden to enjoy the peach blossoms under the lights + Kunqu Opera ✔ Visit the Peach Blossom Festival and buy peach blossom-themed cultural and creative products 📌Useful Tips 🚇 Convenient subway and bus access; book garden tickets in advance 🏨 Stay in Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Road and enjoy Suzhou cuisine 🌧️ Spring is rainy, so bring an umbrella and choose a sunny day to travel In Suzhou, admiring peach blossoms is a poetic romance~

Taihu Lake, like a dazzling sapphire inlaid in the land of Jiangnan, spans the two provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The Taihu Lake area of ​​Suzhou perfectly combines the gentleness of Jiangnan with the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains. As one of the five largest freshwater lakes in China, it is vast and boundless, and is surrounded by historical relics and ancient legends like stars. According to legend, Xi Shi once danced gracefully on this vast lake, accompanied by Fan Li, casting a romantic and mysterious veil over Taihu Lake💕. ⛺【Amusement Activities】🎡: 1. Sailing experience⛵: Set sail on Taihu Lake and feel the embrace of wind and waves😜. Professional coaches will accompany you throughout the whole process, so novices should not be afraid. When the sailboat rides the wind and waves, splashing white water, the excitement is full! Remember to listen carefully to the instructor's explanation of safety knowledge before boarding the boat and wear life-saving equipment🛡. 2. Strolling in the sea of ​​flowers in Taihu Lake🌷: The sea of ​​flowers presents different colors in different seasons. Tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn...Walking among them, the fragrance of flowers is everywhere, as if you are in a fairy tale world🌈. Walk along the flower path, don't trample the flowers, let them bloom beautifully. 3. Lakeside camping: Choose a lakeside meadow, set up a tent, look up at the starry sky at night, and hear the gentle "singing" of the lake. Prepare warm clothes, as it is a bit cold at night by the lake. Also, bring insect repellent spray to prevent bugs from disturbing your camping mood😏. 🚌【Transportation Guide】🚌: 1. Self-driving: Start from Nanjing, take the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway to Suzhou Ring Expressway, and get off at Dongshan Exit. The whole journey is about 200 kilometers, and you can embrace Taihu Lake in about 2.5-3 hours. The scenery along the way is nice, and you can stop at the rest area from time to time to stretch your muscles. 2. Train/High-speed Rail🚄: After arriving at Suzhou Station or Suzhou North Station, you can take bus No. 502 from Suzhou Station to Dongshan Scenic Area; take subway Line 2 to Line 1 at Suzhou North Station, and then take a bus to Taihu Lake. Bus transfers are a little complicated, so remember to check the routes and departure times in advance⏱ to avoid delays. 👉【Itinerary】🗺: There are so many fun things to do around 🎉! Luxiang Ancient Village is very close to Dongshan Qiyuan. The stone roads and Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings in the ancient village seem to take people back to the old times. After visiting the ancient village, go and try the Taihu Lake boat dishes, freshly caught lake seafood, steamed white fish🐟, salted white shrimp🦐, and whitebait scrambled eggs🥚, they are so delicious! I recommend the B&Bs in Dongshan. Many of them have their own small courtyards, full of flowers and plants. You can wake up in the morning to the fragrance of flowers and the singing of birds, and start a day full of energy. 🧡【Preparation before departure】🎒: Mainland China ID card, mobile phone and power bank are essential. You need to record the beautiful scenery and delicious food 📷, and the battery cannot be low. In sunny weather, bring sunglasses 🕶 and a sun hat 👒 to protect yourself from the sun; in rainy days, remember to bring an umbrella 🌂. Fairies who like taking photos, don’t forget to bring beautiful skirts 👗 and take great photos in the beautiful scenery of Taihu Lake. There are also snacks and drinking water🥤, so you can replenish your energy at any time when you are tired and have a happy trip to Taihu Lake😘.

🌈I always go to Xishan Island to play, but I didn’t expect Dongshan Island to be so beautiful! Dongshan Island is not over-developed and is completely pristine, so you can walk your kids at a slow pace~ 🚗Transportation: Self-driving 🗺️Tour route: Diaohualou➡️Daixinwan Bridge➡️Luxiang Ancient Village ✅Carved House Known as the "First Building in Jiangnan", the sculptures in the building are exquisite. The entire garden is small and exquisite. 🎫Tickets: 💰55 yuan, free for those under 1.2 meters tall (Shuiyun Jiangsu Card can be swiped to enter🆓) 🅿️Parking lot: Yes, opposite, ✅Daixinwan Bridge & Fengqi Bridge Two super beautiful S-shaped roads around the lake, which will be great in good weather! ✅Luxiang Ancient Village 🎫Ticket: 💰65, Shuiyun Jiangsu Card can be swiped to enter 🅿️Parking lot: Yes Luxiang Ancient Village has the reputation of being a village for imperial examinations. There are no traces of over-development. There are more than 30 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties preserved here, and they are characterized by the three archways of Tanhua/Member/Jieyuan. Some attractions were still under renovation when I went there. 🔖Intimate tips: ✅It is recommended to come on a sunny day so that you can enjoy more beautiful scenery and watch the sunset🌄 ✅You can arrange a one-night stay here and go to Ruixiangyuan to check out the thousand-year-old ginkgo!

Luxiang Ancient Village is an ancient village left over from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It does not have much commercial atmosphere and is named after its six alleys. The distinctive features are the three Ming Dynasty archways of "Tanhua", "Huaiyuan" and "Jieyuan". When spring comes, you must come with your family to Luxiang Ancient Village in Dongshan, Suzhou, walk along the stone-paved streets, admire the quaint buildings, and feel the charm and customs of the Jiangnan water village. 📸 Those who are interested in the history and culture of the ancient village can visit museums and historical sites, such as the Luxiang Community Museum, Wang Ao's former residence Huihe Hall, Huaide Hall Folk Custom Collection Hall, etc. [ThumbsUp] The most distinctive things here are the local white jade square cake and Biluochun tea. There are many white jade square cake shops, but one of them is recommended by CCTV. I bought all of them and couldn't tell the difference. If you are interested, you can try them. The Biluochun tea before the Qingming Festival is famous for its fragrance. In March, many families have picked the tea leaves and are frying them in the store. Those who like to drink tea can also buy it at their discretion. 📍Luxiang Ancient Village, Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou 🅿️More suitable for self-driving, there is a dedicated parking lot, there are not many parking spaces but you can park on the roadside

Dongshan Island in Suzhou is known as the "Little Kamakura" of Taihu Lake. It is a place full of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Taihu Lake, as well as the rich history, culture, and cuisine. After the Biluochun tea season, you can look forward to the white loquat season. Biluochun tea and white loquats are both produced here! 📍Address: No. 129, Luxiang Village, Dongshan Town, Suzhou 🚘Self-driving: Navigate to Dongshan Island 🅿️Parking: Free 🎫Tickets: Free 🕙Opening hours: All day 🌈Recommended Check-in Points 1️⃣Suzhou "Little Kamakura" Daxinwan Bridge and Fenghuan Taihu Lake Scenic Belt offer a beautiful view of the water and sky, with the road naturally extending into the distance. You can take a photo anywhere and capture the atmosphere! If you come after 5 pm, you can see the sunset and evening glow over Taihu Lake. It's more convenient to drive, and you can stop by the roadside to enjoy the beautiful scenery. 2️⃣Luxiang Ancient Village Known as the first ancient village of Taihu Lake, Luxiang Ancient Village is a place where trumpet flowers bloom by the roadside, the lake water flows slowly, and unfamiliar grandmothers sit at their doorsteps selling lotus flowers and lotus pods. The old popsicles are still 2 yuan each. Walking through the streets and alleys, you can feel the long passage of time. This place is still so quiet, beautiful, and elegant, making people reluctant to leave. 3️⃣Moli Peak Moli Peak, ranked second among the seventy-two peaks of Taihu Lake, is perfect for hiking. The path is lined with lush trees, and there is almost no sun exposure. At the top of the mountain, there is Ciyun Temple, where you can overlook the beautiful view of Taihu Lake. The view is great! 4️⃣ATE Lake View Cafe A super romantic cafe where you can sit on a chair under the lighthouse at sunset and enjoy a double feast of coffee and beautiful scenery. 5️⃣LIM Lime Lake View Restaurant A dreamy castle restaurant surrounded by the lake on three sides, offering a double enjoyment of food and scenery! It is recommended to book in advance, as there is a minimum consumption for private rooms. ⚠️Tips 1. Be sure to come on a sunny day to fully appreciate the beautiful colors of the sky and lake. 2. It is recommended to choose a lakeside homestay for accommodation, so you can easily watch the sunrise or sunset. 3. Come here in April to pick Biluochun tea, in May to pick loquats, and in October to eat hairy crabs.

Luxiang Ancient Village is located on the side of Taihu Lake in the back mountain of Suzhou. It is an ancient village with a long history and profound cultural heritage. There are many residential buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, many archways, unique styles, and high artistic value. The ancient village is surrounded by mountains and rivers, with beautiful natural scenery, and is a good place for tourism and vacation. As the hometown of Wang Ao, the prime minister during the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty, Wang Ao once won the first place in the imperial examination, the first place in the palace examination, and the third place in the palace examination. Luxiang Ancient Village is known as the "first ancient village in Taihu Lake". It has produced many scholars and scholars, and every brick and tile is soaked in the vicissitudes of history. In addition, there are abundant products and folk culture in the ancient village, allowing tourists to feel the local customs while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Located more than forty kilometers away from Suzhou City on the eastern shore of Taihu Lake, there is an ancient village called 'Lu Lane Ancient Village.' Lu Lane Ancient Village faces the vast Taihu Lake in front, backs against Moli Peak, with Hangu Mountain to the east and Jianhu Island to the west, facing the western hills of Taihu Lake across the lake. The unique and superior natural environment makes Lu Lane Ancient Village picturesque and unparalleled. Lu Lane Ancient Village is the hometown of Prime Minister Wang Ao during the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty. 'Prime Minister' was just a common term in ancient times, not a specific official title; titles like Shangshu Ling and Grand Secretary of the Cabinet could all be referred to as Prime Minister. It is not wrong to call Wang Ao a Prime Minister because he served in the court for more than thirty years, with official titles such as Minister of Revenue and Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall, equivalent to 'Prime Minister.' In the feudal dynasties, the officialdom was full of intrigue and hidden dangers, and a slight mistake could lead to fatal consequences. Wang Ao understood this deeply. When his official career was flourishing, he chose to retire and return to his hometown, which was a wise decision. Wang Ao was talented and learned, skilled in literature, calligraphy, and collecting books. His student Tang Yin praised him as 'the best writer in the country, the unparalleled Prime Minister in the mountains.' There are two popular explanations for the name 'Lu Lane Ancient Village': one is that Wang Ao's mother had the surname Lu, hence the village was named 'Lu Lane'; the other is that there are six lanes in the village leading directly to the shore of Taihu Lake, and the character 'Lu' is a homophone for the number six, hence the name 'Lu Lane.' Walking into Lu Lane Ancient Village, it is as quiet as an uninhabited place. Occasionally, a few sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking break the silence. In the village, there are many tall horsehead walls and deep courtyards with black tiles and white walls. In the old street at the center of the village, three archways named 'Jieyuan,' 'Huiyuan,' and 'Tanhua' stand tall not far from each other, symbolizing Wang Ao's continuous success in the imperial examinations and his fame in his hometown. Today, there are still five ancient ancestral halls scattered in the ancient village, such as Huihe Hall, Huaigu Hall, and Baojian Hall, full of ancient charm and pleasing to the eye. Lu Lane Ancient Village originated in the Southern Song Dynasty, but the exact year is unknown. It is reported that Lu Lane Ancient Village historically had more than seventy large-scale Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, and more than ten of them are still intact. Data shows that Lu Lane Ancient Village is currently the best-preserved ancient village in Jiangnan with the highest quality and quantity of ancient buildings. Given the profound cultural and historical heritage and the rich ancient architectural features of Lu Lane Ancient Village, it has been awarded the title of one of the first national historical and cultural villages by authoritative national departments and is known as 'the first ancient village of Taihu Lake.'

After coming to Suzhou Dongshan with my bestie on the weekend to eat loquats and Taihu boat cuisine, I was amazed by Luxiang Ancient Village 🥳. Luxiang Ancient Village is located in Suzhou Dongshan, backed by the Moling Green Mountains, facing the vast Taihu Lake. It is said that the village got its name from the six alleys within it, hence the name Luxiang 🎉 Time seems to slow down here, with the strong scent of life being the dense Baiyun Yufang cakes, the scattered ancient buildings, and the plaques made of blue bricks 🧱 and red tiles, ⛩ with inscriptions of 'Zhuangyuan', 'Huiyuan', 'Tanhua', 'Bangyan'. Many ancient top scholars came from this village, truly making it a place of outstanding people and a spiritually endowed land. Visitors are also captivated by the spirit of Prime Minister Wang Ao 👍 ➡️ A senior official through three reigns of the Ming Dynasty - Xianzong, Xiaozong, and Wuzong - locals called him the Prime Minister. He is the pride of Luxiang. In the tenth year of the Ming Chenghua period (1474), he was first in the imperial examinations, the following year he was first in the metropolitan examinations, and the next year, he was third in the palace examinations, earning the title 'Tanhua'. The Jieyuanfang 🥇, Huiyuanfang 🥈, and Tanhua • Grand Scholar Fang 🥉 were built by the government for Wang Ao 🪨 The ancient village is more like an ancient house museum 🕋 with relics everywhere. Especially the remnants of the blue stone archways of Tanhua, Huiyuan, and Jieyuan, which take visitors back to ancient times～ Snacks, the streets 🈶️ have a faint scent of cakes, and when you come here, you can also try the distinctive Baiyun Yufang cakes, loquat honey 🍯 wine, etc. If you don't know where to go on the weekend, then make a date with your good friends 😌 to come and eat loquats and 🚢 Taihu boat cuisine, 📍 check in at Luxiang Ancient Village in Suzhou ✔️ 🚗 Luxiang Ancient Village has a parking lot 🅿️, best for self-driving. 🎯 It is 129m from Molifeng Huan Shan Road in Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province to Dongshan Luxiang Bridge (bus station), about a 2-minute walk 🍴 Have an authentic Taihu boat cuisine meal at the 28 Li Taihu Boat Cuisine (Jixiang Road store), 👀 watch a Kunqu opera performance, and enjoy the twelve flavors of Taihu while dining on a four-story wooden boat.

Luxiang Ancient Village is located in the middle of Taihu Lake to the southwest of Suzhou, backed by mountains and facing the lake, with beautiful scenery. It is the ancient village with the most and the most complete preservation of Ming and Qing architectural heritage in the Suzhou area and even in Jiangsu Province. "Idyllic scholarship, pursuing dreams in Luxiang," historically, this place has produced top scholars, second-place scholars, and numerous imperial examination graduates and scholars, as well as modern academicians, earning the reputation of "the village of imperial examinations".

The Cuhe Hall of the Ye family in Dongshan Luxiang was built during the Qing Dynasty. The Cuhe Hall has collapsed, and the only existing open one is the side hall of the Cuhe Hall, also known as the Chess and Music Fairy House. It is a place for the master to burn incense and play the qin in his spare time. Due to the peculiar architectural structure of the building, it can produce the effect of the sound of the qin around the beam. The brick-carved gate of the side hall is the most complete and exquisitely carved gate preserved in Luxiang. Its content is carved with a full set of Three Kingdoms stories, and the carvings are all amazing. 1⃣️The gate is divided into three layers of carvings. The lower part was somewhat damaged during the Cultural Revolution. The upper part is carved with some classic scenes from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms: the Empty City Plan, the Three Heroes Fight Lv Bu, and the Thousand Miles of Single Riding. The carving uses the technique of through-carving, and the shapes of people and horses are full and three-dimensional. 2⃣️The gate plaque reads "Zhonglan Yuyu", expressing the gentlemanly taste of the Ye family's love for orchids and collection of beautiful jade. The word "jade" has an extra point, expressing the Ye family's hope that their collection of jade will be a little more and better than others. The plaque is signed "Langting Shen Zhaolin", Shen Zhaolin (1801-1862), styled Langting, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang. He was a scholar in the 16th year of Daoguang (1836), and served as the Left Du Yushi. He was the Minister of the Military Machinery for ten years. In the first year of Tongzhi (1862), he was appointed as the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu. Shen Zhaolin's calligraphy was very famous in the Qing Dynasty, and his inscription could fall into the Ye family, which shows that the status of the Ye family at that time was extraordinary. 3⃣️The culture of the brick-carved gate of the Cuhe Hall, the wise craftsman only carved the lifelike characters in the Empty City Plan of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms on the small brick gate, which really admires the profound cultural heritage of Dongshan. Address: Enter in the middle of the small alley behind Wang Ao's old house, see picture 2 for the entrance.

Cuihe Hall was built by the Ye family during the Qing Dynasty. Cuihe Hall has collapsed, but there are still three brick-carved gate towers in the ruins, and the plaques of the two entrances behind are: 'Tolerance is greatness' and 'Prosperity for the future'. The brick carvings of the gate tower are still very exquisite. After visiting the brick-carved gate tower of Qilexianguan in 98, the main house was in a mess. Figures 3-7. But the three brick-carved gate towers are very exquisite, some are damaged, but I remember the second one is 'Tolerance is greatness', and all the lower beams on the front are carp tumbling in the water. Now the old house has been repaired and the gate tower is well protected, which is quite reassuring. Figure 15 is the same door as Qilexianguan. There is also a small gate tower called 'Yimou Yanji', which is very simple, with a pair of phoenix stone carvings underneath, which is very exquisite. The words are written by Gu Xianchang. The last picture is the back door, look at these large bluestone bars, the bandits of Taihu Lake probably couldn't attack back then. Address: Behind the former residence of Wang Ao in Luxiang.

Paradise above, Suzhou below, refers to Suzhou and Hangzhou. The Wuzhong District of Suzhou was established as a county system as early as the Qin Dynasty, with a history of more than 2000 years. On this ancient land, 40 kilometers away from Suzhou, there is a quiet and low-key ancient village from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, named Luxiang Ancient Village, located in Dongshan Town, on the east bank of Taihu Lake, enjoying the reputation of 'Taihu's first ancient village'. Luxiang Ancient Village was first built in the Southern Song Dynasty, the specific era is unknown, with a history of a thousand years. It is said that during the Southern Song Dynasty, a group of generals invaded from Taiyuan to here, among which generals with surnames such as Wang and Ye settled here, built many houses, and six surnames formed six ancient lanes, covering an area of tens of thousands of square meters. Since the establishment of Luxiang Ancient Village, it has been a land of outstanding people and spirit. In history, it has produced 1 top scholar, 1 third place scholar, 11 imperial scholars, 46 successful candidates in the imperial examination, and is the hometown of Ye Mengde, a famous minister of the Southern Song Dynasty, Wang Ao, a prime minister of the Ming Dynasty, and Wang Shichen, a top scholar of the Qing Dynasty. Today, 4 of the academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences come from Luxiang Village. The architecture in Luxiang Village is currently the highest quality, most numerous, and well-preserved ancient village in the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the Jiangnan region. Today, there are more than 20 well-preserved Ming Dynasty buildings in the village, and Qing Dynasty buildings are everywhere. The most famous of these ancient buildings are Baojian Hall and Huihe Hall. Luxiang is surrounded by mountains and water, with large plantations of orange trees and tea trees in the mountains. The Biluochun tea produced in Luxiang is fragrant and refreshing, and the local white sand loquat is now in the harvest season, as well as red oranges, bayberries, pomegranates and other fruits, Taihu's three whites, shrimp and crab are well-known, and the white jade square cakes and salty dumplings on the street are never boring. A bite of the square cake made of glutinous rice flour, the clear taste of glutinous rice mixed with the strong handmade bean paste, is soft, glutinous, crispy and fragrant. The village streets are built with green brick stones in a herringbone pattern, and the main street is paved with strip stones. Among them, Zishi Street is the central street of Luxiang, with a road surface made of purple stone slabs, first built in the middle of the Ming Dynasty, running north-south. There are 3 archways on Zishi Street, which were built when Wang Ao was the top scholar, the second place scholar, and the third place scholar. Centered on Zishi Street, streets and lanes extend in six directions, with dozens of residential buildings distributed on both sides of the six streets and lanes. If you like Ming and Qing architecture, you will definitely not miss the many ancient buildings in the village. If you like eating, drinking, and playing, it is the season for picking bayberries and loquats, and you must not miss it.

Luxiang Ancient Village is the oldest and best preserved ancient village in the Jiangnan architectural group. It is the hometown of the prime minister of the Ming Dynasty. It is known as the Taihu First Ancient Village and is located in the middle of the East Mountain.

#11#Where is the best place in Suzhou, Luxiang Ancient Village is located on the side of Suzhou Dongshan Taihu Lake. It is the oldest village with the highest quality, the largest quantity and the best preservation in the Jiangnan construction community. Luxiang Ancient Village is the hometown of the prime minister of the Ming Dynasty in the Ming Dynasty. It is the first batch of historical and cultural villages in the country and is known as the first ancient village of Taihu Lake. Into the Luxiang ancient village, let more people feel the beauty of Wuzhong. With a group of friends on the same trip, playing super happy. The more meaning of travel is to share, talk about the story in your eyes, the story in my eyes, in this ancient alley, in the market where people come and go, to capture the small details of life. Use the purest eyes. #,###Where is the most fun in Suzhou, Luxiang Ancient Village is located in Suzhou Dongshan Taihu Lake. It is the oldest village with the highest quality, the largest quantity and the best preservation in the Jiangnan construction community. Luxiang Ancient Village is the hometown of the prime minister of the Ming Dynasty in the Ming Dynasty. It is the first batch of historical and cultural villages in the country and is known as the first ancient village of Taihu Lake. Into the Luxiang ancient village, let more people feel the beauty of Wuzhong. With a group of friends on the same trip, playing super happy. The more meaning of travel is to share, talk about the story in your eyes, the story in my eyes, in this ancient alley, in the market where people come and go, to capture the small details of life. Use the purest eyes. #,#

#11# The city of Suzhou is big, but not one family. Since the Ming Dynasty, the Taizi Taifu, the Wenyuange University, Wang Xi, the scholarly style, the business, the business, so the official is outside, there are many business people. In the heyday, there are 72 large-scale halls in the village of Luxiang. Although it has undergone a long history and changes in history, there are still more than 20 buildings in the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The high and complete preservation is the only one in the south of the Yangtze River. Here is the home of Wang Shuo University, and the hall dedicated to the sedan chair is still very stylish. ###11# The city of Suzhou is big, but not one family. Since the Ming Dynasty, the Taizi Taifu, the Wenyuange University, Wang Xi, the scholarly style, the business, the business, so the official is outside, there are many business people. In the heyday, there are 72 large-scale halls in the village of Luxiang. Although it has undergone a long history and changes in history, there are still more than 20 buildings in the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The high and complete preservation is the only one in the south of the Yangtze River. Here is the home of Wang Shuo University, and the hall dedicated to the sedan chair is still very stylish. ##

#11# The Southern Song Dynasty has Luxiang Ancient Village, which is said in history. Song family Nandu, through Taihu Lake, see Dongshan Xiongyu Lake, quiet and quiet, many warriors will settle their homes here, built a village with six lanes, hence the name Luxiang. One shows that the university's Lu Xiangren Wang Hao's great-grandfather Wang Yanxiang was Lu Zijing's family after the niece and Yan Xiang's business development, named Lu Wangcun and then Lu Xiangcun. The main body is still the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The aroma of the ointment will drift for a long time. Diffuse the ancient village. ### Where to go to play in November #, said in history. Song family Nandu, through Taihu Lake, see Dongshan Xiongyu Lake, quiet and quiet, many warriors will settle their homes here, built a village with six lanes, hence the name Luxiang. One shows that the university's Lu Xiangren Wang Hao's great-grandfather Wang Yanxiang was Lu Zijing's family after the niece and Yan Xiang's business development, named Lu Wangcun and then Lu Xiangcun. The main body is still the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The aroma of the ointment will drift for a long time. Diffuse the ancient village. ##