泸州
China's Liquor Capital & Yangtze River Gateway
Luzhou, sitting at the strategic confluence of the Yangtze and Tuo rivers in southeastern Sichuan, has been one of China's most important river ports for over 2,000 years. The city's geographic position — at the junction of Sichuan, Guizhou, and Chongqing — made it a crucial trading hub for grain, salt, and, most importantly, liquor. Today, Luzhou is known as China's Liquor Capital (中国酒城), home to the legendary Luzhou Laojiao (泸州老窖), one of China's oldest and most prestigious baijiu brands, with a continuous brewing history stretching back to the Ming Dynasty (1573).
Beyond its liquid fame, Luzhou offers a surprisingly rich set of cultural attractions. The city's old town preserves Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture along the riverfront, including the distinctive Fobao (Baoen Pagoda) and Baizi (Hundred Sons) Ancient Streets. The confluence of the two rivers creates a dramatic landscape, especially at night when both bridges spanning the rivers are illuminated. Luzhou's strategic importance throughout Chinese history means the city and surrounding areas are dotted with historical sites from the Three Kingdoms period, the Song Dynasty, and the Anti-Japanese War.
Luzhou's cuisine reflects its river-town heritage and proximity to Chongqing, featuring bold, spicy flavors with an emphasis on river fish and fresh ingredients. The city's liquor culture permeates daily life — baijiu tasting, brewery tours, and meals accompanied by local spirits are central to the Luzhou experience. While it rarely appears on tourist itineraries, Luzhou offers a genuine, unpretentious slice of Sichuan life that few foreign visitors ever see.
The crown jewel of Luzhou's liquor heritage, this museum complex includes the original Luzhou Laojiao fermentation pits — the oldest continuously operating fermentation pits in China, in use since 1573. The National Key Cultural Relic site displays centuries-old ceramic fermentation jars, traditional brewing tools, and an extensive collection of vintage baijiu bottles. Guided tours explain the complex fermentation process that produces Luzhou's characteristic strong-aroma (浓香型) style, and include guided tastings of aged baijiu varieties.
Zhangba is China's largest preserved longan (桂圆) orchard, covering 4,500 acres along the Yangtze River. The ancient trees — many over 300 years old — create a dense forest canopy, making it one of Luzhou's most pleasant walking areas. Nearby, the 32-meter Fobao (Baoen) Pagoda, built in 1182 during the Southern Song Dynasty, stands as one of the best-preserved Song-era pagodas in Sichuan. The riverside setting, especially at sunset, creates a beautifully atmospheric scene.
Luzhou's best-preserved historic commercial street, Baizi Street features a continuous stretch of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings along a cobblestone lane. The street gets its name from a nearby cliff carving of the 'Hundred Sons' — a traditional motif symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Today, the restored street houses teahouses, antique shops, and local restaurants serving Luzhou specialties. The atmosphere is genuinely old-world, with wooden lattice windows, stone thresholds, and the scent of brewing baijiu drifting from nearby workshops.
One of Sichuan's most important Buddhist temples, Bodhi Temple sits on a hillside overlooking the Yangtze River. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt multiple times, the current structures date primarily from the Qing Dynasty. The temple complex includes the Grand Hall with a 10-meter-tall gilded Buddha, the Scripture Library, and a beautiful garden with ancient banyan trees. The hilltop location offers panoramic views of the Yangtze-Tuo River confluence and the city below.
Fresh Yangtze River fish prepared in spicy broth with Sichuan peppercorns and local herbs. The city's signature dish.
Yellow rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves, steamed until chewy and slightly sweet. A beloved Luzhou breakfast food.
Dry-fried rabbit with chilies, Sichuan pepper, and garlic. Spicier and more complex than Chengdu-style preparations.
China's premier strong-aroma baijiu, aged in earthen pits for 1573+ years. The taste of history in every sip.