Three Steps, Two Bridges

Three Steps, Two Bridges

Guide | Tourist Map | Luzhi is a renowned water town famous for its many bridges, once said to have "seventy-two and a half bridges." "Three Steps, Two Bridges" refers to the idea of crossing two bridges in just three steps. The canals in Luzhi Ancient Town crisscross in all directions, and at the confluence of two rivers, there are often two bridges connected at right angles, commonly known as twin bridges. The Sanyuan Bridge and Wan’an Bridge, which stretch east-west across Tang River, are representative examples of three-steps-two-bridges. The former was built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era, while the latter dates back to the pre-Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty; both are granite beam-type flat bridges. The town also features four other sets of twin bridges: the Nanchang Bridge and Yongfu Bridge south of Wansheng Rice Shop; the Zhongmei Bridge and Jiaohui Bridge at Dongshitou; the Huanyu Bridge and Feng Bridge north of Zhongshi; and the Huanbi Bridge and Jinxiang Bridge in the central section of the town.

Photo uploaded by user whh1976. Dining / Accommodation / Shopping Accommodation: To experience the charm of Luzhi — “many water lanes and small bridges, with homes nestled along the river” — it is recommended that you stay overnight in the ancient town. You can check in at Luzhi Yingbin Hotel or Hongyun Garden Resort by Jincheng Lake, or opt for local private guesthouses. Shopping: Luzhi’s pickled vegetables, mushrooms, and other local specialties are very famous. Don’t miss the octagonal red water caltrops in autumn. If you’re looking to buy the attire, embroidered shoes, and headscarves of the “Suzhou ethnic minority” — the women of Luzhi — be sure not to pass them up, as they are available only here. Dining: Known as the “land of water and clouds, a region of crops and fishing,” Luzhi boasts beautiful scenery and abundant aquatic products. When it comes to food, expect fresh fish, crisp lotus roots, plump water caltrops, river shrimp, and lake crabs. The typical Jiangnan water town flavors are light, tender, and delicate. Luzhi’s mushrooms and river clams are particularly famous — don’t miss them when ordering. Octagonal red water caltrops are a specialty of Luzhi; if you’re lucky enough to visit during harvest season, you must try them. Transportation Shanghai – Luzhi: On weekends and holidays, shuttle buses depart from Shanghai Yangpu Sports Center, Hongkou Football Stadium, and Shanghai Stadium to Luzhi, returning in the afternoon. The fare is 120 RMB per person (including round-trip bus tickets and attraction entry fees). Alternatively, take the bus from Zhongshan Bus Station at No. 806 North Zhongshan Road to Luzhi; there are 22 daily departures. Suzhou – Luzhi: Air-conditioned minibuses run directly from the square in front of Suzhou Railway Station. Minibuses from Suzhou North Bus Station to Luzhi operate from 6:30–18:30, every 30 minutes, with a fare of 7 RMB. Suzhou Wuxian Bus Station also offers minibuses to Luzhi, running from 6:20–17:20, every 40 minutes. From Loufeng in eastern Suzhou, you can take Bus No. 18 to reach Luzhi; the fare is 2.5 RMB, with one bus per hour, and the trip takes about 50 minutes. In-Town Transportation: Sightseeing tricycles are available within the town, with a starting fare of 2 RMB to take you to various attractions.

Self-Drive Routes: Shanghai – Luzhi: 1. Shanghai – Yan’an Elevated Road – Huqingping Expressway (A9 Highway – Suburban Ring Road (A30 Highway), heading toward Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway direction) – Chonggu Daying Exit – Beiqing Highway – Sushu Airport Road – Luzhi 2. Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway Kunshan Exit – head south via Changjiang Road – turn west – Sushu Airport Road – Luzhi Suzhou – Luzhi: Suzhou East Ring Road (elevated) – Sushu Airport Road – Luzhi Road Distances: Shanghai 58 km | Luzhi 18 km | Suzhou　

Jiangsu, Suzhou