Former Site of Wansheng Rice Shop

Former Site of Wansheng Rice Shop

The former site of Wansheng Rice Shop is a cultural relics protection unit of Suzhou City.

The former site of Wansheng Rice Shop is located within the ancient town area of Luzhi. The Luzhi ancient town district is situated at the eastern end of Luzhi Town, covering an area of approximately 1 square kilometer. It features one river flanked by two streets, lined with residences and shops, built along the water along an “upward” shaped riverway, exuding strong characteristics of a water town. Luzhi was historically known as Fuli. During the Spring and Autumn period, King Helü of Wu built a detached palace in the southern part of this region, while King Fuchai built the Wutong Garden in the northern part. There was also a small village spanning one square li, hence the name “Fuli.” During the Five Dynasties and Southern Liang period, structures such as Baosheng Monastery and White Lotus Lecture Temple were built here. In the Tang Dynasty, the scholar Lu Guimeng built a villa for retreat, and in the Song Dynasty, the Neo-Confucian scholar Wei Liaoweng also built a retreat during his later years of seclusion in Fuli. In the Ming Dynasty, Xu Zichang constructed the Plum Blossom Villa, and in the Qing Dynasty, the Yuanhe County Magistrate’s Office was established. These all attracted literati and scholars throughout history to settle or stay here. The ancient town had initially taken shape by the Song and Yuan periods, and flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties, becoming a major commercial hub in the water town region of eastern Wu.

Luzhi Town: Luzhi is located 25 kilometers southeast of Suzhou City, bordered by the Wusong River to the north, Cheng Lake to the south, adjacent to the Suzhou Industrial Park to the west, and connecting to Kunshan to the east. The town covers a total area of 115 square kilometers (including 40 square kilometers of Cheng Lake waters), and governs 16 administrative villages and 2 communities, with a total population of over 200,000. Roads such as the Suzhou–Shanghai Expressway, the Outer Ring Expressway, Luzhi Avenue, and Dongfang Avenue run through the town, offering a superior location and convenient transportation.

Luzhi is a water town with a history of over 2,500 years, rich in cultural heritage, and has been referred to by Mr. Fei Xiaotong as “the foremost water town in China.” The town boasts numerous cultural and historical attractions... More detailed information about Luzhi Town++