Tongli Water Town Travel Guide: The Most Peaceful Ancient Town Near Shanghai

Tongli Water Town has a history of over 2,000 years and originated from the Wu-Yue culture during the Spring and Autumn Period. It is a typical Jiangnan water town culture, preserving numerous traditional residences, ancient bridges and cultural relics. Its temperament is centered around tranquility, elegance, slowness and authenticity, and it is the "most peaceful" ancient town in the vicinity of Shanghai.

- Overview of Tongli Water Town -

1. Location
· Administrative Region
Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province.
· Relative Location
It is adjacent to Shanghai to the east, connected to Hangzhou to the south, bordering Taihu Lake to the west, and adjacent to the urban area of Suzhou to the north.

2. External Transportation
· Self-driving
Starting from Shanghai, drive along the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway (G50) to "Tongli Ancient Town Parking Area", and you will arrive there in about one hour.
· High-speed Rail / Train
After arriving at the Suzhou Railway Station by high-speed rail, you can directly transfer to the Suzhou Metro Line 4. The terminal station is "Tongli Station".
After exiting the station, there are dedicated shuttle buses or buses (Route 725) that directly lead to the entrance of the ancient town. The entire journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

3. Internal Transportation
· Walking
The most suitable mode of transportation in Tongli Water Town is walking. Tourists can leisurely stroll along the waterways and stone paths.
· Tourist Bus
For tourists who are not comfortable with long walks, they can choose to take a tourist bus. The sightseeing route from the town gate to the entrance of the town is very convenient.
· Oval Boat
The oval-shaped boat is one of the important ways to experience the water-town culture of Tongli.

4. Ticket Policy
The ticket policy in Tongli Water Town is relatively flexible. Here is the detailed ticket information: 
· Gates pass: Free.
· Tourist ticket for all attractions within the ancient town: 100 yuan per person.
· Validity period: The tickets are usually valid for 48 hours and each attraction can only be entered once.
· Free admission group:
Children: Children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.4 meters in height (inclusive).
Seniors: Seniors aged 70 years old (inclusive) and above.
· Half-price group:
Minors: Minors aged 6 years old (excluding) - 18 years old (inclusive).
Students: College students (undergraduate level and below) studying at regular universities.
Seniors: Seniors aged 60 years old (inclusive) - 70 years old (exclusive).
· Opening time of the park: The park is usually open from 08:00 to 17:15.

Tongli Water Town Tour from Shanghai: Sunset & Night View Experience Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train

- Must-visit Attractions in Tongli -
The water area of Tongli Ancient Town accounts for approximately 40.3% of its total area. Not only is it of great historical significance, but it also preserves a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties:

1. Tuisi Garden
---The "water-adjoining" masterpiece of Jiangnan gardens
· Features
As the soul of Tongli, Tuisi Garden is the only private garden in the ancient town of Jiangnan that has been included in the World Heritage List. The name of Tuisi Garden means "Reflection", derived from the sentence "When going forward, one should be fully committed to duty; when retreating, one should reflect on one's mistakes and make corrections" in The Zuo Zhuan. It serves as a reminder for people to reflect and cultivate themselves, and is a masterpiece of the Jiangnan garden culture.
The most distinctive feature is the design of the "Water-hugging Garden". Unlike the high walls and deep courtyards of the Suzhou gardens, the pavilions and towers here are all built close to the water surface, as if floating on it.
· Highlights
"The Red Boat" (the boat hall), resembling a boat about to set sail, is stationary in the pool. This symbolizes that although the owner of the garden is in the outside world, his heart still yearns for the imperial court. Moreover, the "Cold Winter Dwelling" and "Sleeping Cloud Pavilion" within the garden are also excellent shooting locations for capturing stunning light and shadow scenes.

2. Three Bridges Scenic Spot
---Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge, Changqing Bridge - The blessing one steps out
· Features
In Tongli, the bridge is not only a means of transportation but also a carrier of faith. Three bridges span over the three intersecting rivers, forming the most famous folk scene in Tongli.
There is a local custom called "Crossing the Three Bridges". Whenever there is a wedding celebration or the Lantern Festival, people will walk across these three bridges in sequence, hoping to pray for "peace, good luck and long prosperity".
· Highlights
Tourists can also follow local customs and walk around the Jili Bridge, Taiping Bridge and Changqing Bridge in sequence (without retracing their steps) to bring good luck for the new year. This is also the best place to capture the morning and evening reflections of the water town.

3. Chongben Hall
---The carving epic of ancient houses in Jiangnan
· Features
This ancient residence, built in the early years of the Republic of China, is a typical residential building of wealthy merchants from the Jiangnan region. It is renowned for its exquisite and unparalleled carving art.
This place is known as the "Woodcarving Museum". There are over 100 woodcarvings in the entire building, including "Eight Horses Picture", "Phoenix Through Peonies", etc. Especially the carvings of opera stories such as "The Western Chamber" are particularly exquisite, with smooth knife skills and lifelike appearance.
· Highlights
Chongben Hall is now also the "Jiangnan Water Town Wedding Customs Museum". Here, you can witness the entire process of ancient weddings, from the flower carriages to the bridal chambers, experiencing the joy and solemnity of traditional weddings.

4. Jiayin Hall
---An elegant and grand imitation of Ming Dynasty architecture
· Features
Opposite Chongben Hall across the river is Jiayin Hall, which presents a different style. Its owner, Liu Bingnan, was the uncle of patriotic poet Liu Yazi. The mansion was built in 1922 and cost 20,000 taels of silver. The main building of Jiayin Hall is modeled after the structure of the Ming Dynasty, being tall and spacious, solemn and dignified. Although its "carvings and paintings" are not as elaborate as those of Chongben Hall, they are more grand. Moreover, the antiques, books and writing utensils in the hall all demonstrate a profound cultural heritage.
· Highlights
Pay attention to the "Cap Hall" design in the main hall, as well as the "Eight Horses Picture" carved on the beam heads, which symbolize that the descendants will be like galloping horses, achieving a bright and promising future.

5. Luo Xingzhou Islet
---The only floating island in Tongli - a pure land where Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism converge
· Features
Luoxingzhou Islet is located in Tongli Lake. It is a religious holy site that integrates Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. It is also the only scenic spot in Tongli that requires a boat ride to reach. The island is surrounded by water on all sides. The buildings on the island are serene, and the lofty towers sway with the wind. This is the best spot to enjoy the panoramic view of Tongli, especially when the sun sets in the west, with the lake surface shimmering and a solitary boat crossing the water, creating a profound and beautiful atmosphere.
· Highlights
You need to take a boat from the Tongli Ancient Town Pier to get there (the ticket usually includes the boat fare, but please note that the weather may affect it). On the island, listening to the bell ringing and watching the seagulls flying can make you instantly forget all your worldly troubles.

6. Pearl Tower Garden
---Opera culture & The splendor of Jiangnan private gardens
· Features
This is the birthplace of the folk tale "Pearl Tower", and it is also the former residence of the Qing Dynasty official Chen Cuie. The layout of the garden is "the east side is the residence while the west side is the garden". The outer residence is simple while the inner courtyard is luxurious.
· Highlights
In the scenic area, there are often immersive performances of Kunqu Opera. Listening to a segment of "Pearl Tower" on the stage can help you better appreciate the delicate and profound nature of the Jiangnan culture. The Pearl Tower itself also has a long history. Standing at the top of the tower, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire ancient town.

7. Gengle Hall
---An ancient and tranquil garden - the peaceful realm of a hermit
· Features
Gengle Hall is the former residence of the scholar Zhu Xiang from the Ming Dynasty. Compared to other attractions, this place is more serene and less crowded, making it an excellent spot for seeking tranquility. 
It features a typical "front residence and back garden" layout. In the garden, there is a white pine tree that is over 400 years old and has a peculiar shape, known as the "Lying Dragon Pine".
· Highlights
The "water-saving corridor" in the back garden is breathtakingly beautiful when the wisteria flowers are in bloom. It is a secluded spot ideal for shooting hanfu-themed films.

8. Nan Yuan Tea House
---A century-old tea house - the "first tea house" in Tongli
· Features
It is hailed as the "number one teahouse" in Tongli and has a history of over a hundred years. Here, you can not only enjoy the authentic Jiangnan tea culture but also experience a rich tea art atmosphere. 
If you want to experience the most authentic life in Tongli, you must visit Nanyuan Teahouse. This is an old teahouse that has maintained its century-old style and is located in the center of the ancient town. The riverside location on the second floor is an excellent viewing platform. Order a pot of Gaiwan Tea (a type of tea cup) and pair it with tea snacks such as preserved radish, pickled vegetables, and soybeans. You can sit and enjoy it for the whole afternoon.
· Highlights
Here, you not only can enjoy tea, but also can watch the authentic Pingtan performance. Push open the carved window and watch the rowing boats slowly passing by downstairs. This is truly "stealing a half-day of leisure from the busy life".

9. Ancient Streets and Alleys
---Truly tranquil Jiangnan
· Features
The streets and alleys of Tongli retain the most original flavor of life, without excessive commercialized sales.
Fu Guan Street: One of the main streets of the ancient town, connecting multiple scenic spots, along which there are many old houses and characteristic small shops.
Xin Tian Street: Formed by filling a river during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it was once a bustling market, and now still retains a lively market atmosphere.
Chuanxin Lane: A narrow alley that can only accommodate one person, with a total length of only a few dozen meters, yet it is full of mystery. Walking with an oil-paper umbrella, it feels like traveling through time.
Fish Market Street: It was once a fishing market in ancient times and still exudes a strong flavor of a water town life today.
Houhuayuan Alley: A typical small alley in the south of the Yangtze River, it is serene and elegant, making it a great place to experience the life of an ancient town.

10. Ancient Bridge Tour
---The soul of Tongli
· Features
Tongli water town is known as the "Bridge Museum", with a total of 49 ancient bridges in the town. Besides the famous Three Bridges, there are many other ancient bridges worth visiting.
Fu Guan Bridge: Located on Fu Guan Street, it is the largest single-arch stone arch bridge in the town, with exquisite carvings on the bridge body.
Tai Lai Bridge: It has a unique design and a spacious bridge surface, and is an important thoroughfare for local residents' daily travel.

- Tongli Culture and Special Events -

1. Hand-rowed Boat Tour
---The flowing scene inside the boat
In Tongli, there is no more authentic way to experience it than by taking a hand-rowed boat. This is not just a means of transportation; it is also a sensory journey through time and space.
· Route and Experience
The cruise ship departs from the Luoxing Zhou Wharf and meanders through the deep waterways. You will experience the magical moment of "the boat moving in the painting, and people wandering in the dream". The boatwoman or boatman turns the oar handle, producing a rhythmic sound, which is the most original white noise in Tongli.

· Daytime Cruise (8:00 - 17:15)
This cruise is perfect for appreciating the white walls, black tiles and ancient bridge details on both sides of the river. The ticket price is approximately 150 yuan per boat (limited to 6 passengers), and the duration is about 20-25 minutes.
· Night Cruise (18:00 - 21:00)
This is the highlight of Tongli. As night falls, the red lanterns on both sides light up, reflecting in the water like flowing flames. The night tour ticket is 180 yuan per boat. At this time, the water surface is like a mirror, with interwoven light and shadow, creating a full atmosphere.

2. The Beauty of Dawn and Dusk
---Enjoying the serenity of a "vacant city" alone
· The "Ink-wash Tongli" in the Morning
If you can get up before 7 a.m., you will have a private Tongli. At this time, the ancient town is still sleeping, and only the sweeping sounds of the cleaners can be heard on the cobblestone roads. A thin layer of morning mist covers the river surface, and the white walls in the distance are faintly visible, resembling an unfinished ink painting. This is the "golden hour" for photographers and the best time to experience the "original ancient town" and feel its breathing.
· The "Gentle Haven" of the Night Scene
The night in Tongli is not the neon-lit nightlife scene, but rather a warm orange hue. The Tuisi Garden at night transforms into a night tour mode, combining light and shadow technology with the classical garden, presenting a "dark, elegant, and slow" atmosphere. Walking by the Third Bridge, looking at the reflections of the red lanterns in the water, you will understand why the ancients said "Night boats playing flutes, rain gently falling". The nightlife here is quiet, and it's perfect for sitting by the river and listening to the wind and the water.

3. Pingtan and Tea Culture
---Taking a moment of leisure in the busy life
· Pingtan Experience
Every afternoon (usually from 14:00 to 16:00), the Nan Yuan Tea Society hosts professional Suzhou Peking Opera performances. The pipa plays a resounding sound, and the three-string instrument produces a soft, melodic tone. The performers sing excerpts from "The Pearl Tower" or "The White Snake" in the gentle Suzhou dialect. Even if you don't understand the lyrics, the graceful melody is enough to make you lose yourself in it.
· Slow Life Guide
Order a cup of Gaiwan Tea, along with a few nuts or the local specialty "sock-bottom pastry". Sit by the window facing the river. Watching the rowing boats passing by below, you will truly understand what "slow life" means. There is no anxiety of rushing; only the aroma of tea and the melody of music.

- Food & Restaurant Recommendations -

 Food 

1. Wansan Pork Knuckle
---The "Signature Jiangnan Dish" that banishes a thousand sorrows
· Method
Wansan Pork Knuckle is a classic traditional delicacy of Jiangnan. It uses pork knuckles as the main ingredient and is cooked with unique cooking techniques for a long time over low heat.
· Flavor
The meat is tender and flavorful, with a crispy exterior and tender interior. When you take a bite, the abundant collagen and aroma instantly fill your mouth.
· Story
As the "top" delicacy of Jiangnan, Wansan Pork Knuckle is a taste landmark that every tourist must visit. This dish originated from the story of Shen Wan San and Zhu Yuanzhang in the early Ming Dynasty. To avoid the character "pig" (Zhu), Shen Wansan came up with an ingenious solution and renamed the pork knuckles "Wansan Pork Knuckle". He also invented the eating method of "extracting bones and cutting meat", which not only saved his life but also left this timeless delicacy.
· Price Reference
Approximately 40-68 yuan per piece (subject to variation based on size).
· Tips
If you want to take it home to share, you can choose the vacuum-packed option. However, it is recommended to have it cooked immediately at the restaurant for the best taste.

2. White Cut Chicken
---Crispy skin and tender meat with seasonal delicacy
· Method
This dish uses high-quality San Huang chicken and is cooked using the traditional "three steaming and three soaking" method, resulting in tender chicken skin and juicy meat.
· Flavor
The chicken is tender and delicious, seasoned with scallions, ginger and soy sauce, making it refreshing and appetizing. The chicken skin is extremely firm and the meat is tender, with a strong aroma of meat.
· Story
As one of the "Summer Delicacies of Suzhou", braised chicken is also featured in Tongli. It is a must-have cold dish on the local residents' summer dining table.
· Price Reference
About 50-60 yuan per portion.
· Tips
It is recommended to eat it cold for a better taste.

3. Tongli Smoked Eel
---A sweet-tasting classic with crispy exterior and tender interior
· Method
Select the middle section of fresh grass carp, cut it into pieces, and fry it in hot oil until golden and crispy. Then quickly immerse it in the secret sauce made from sugar, soy sauce, beer, etc. This utilizes the physical principle of "hot fish cold soaking" to lock in the moisture.
· Flavor
A typical "Suzhou-style sweet flavor". The fish skin absorbs the soup, resulting in a crispy outside and tender inside, with a moderate amount of saltiness and sweetness. The fish meat is tender and juicy, and even the fish bones are fried to be soft and chewy.
· Story
Smoked fish is a traditional famous dish in the Jiangnan region. The small smoked fish in Tongli has more elaborate production techniques. It is a necessary cold dish on the local residents' daily table and carries the taste memory of several generations.
· Price Reference
About 30-40 yuan per portion.
· Tips
It is recommended to be served as an appetizer cold dish. The flavor is better when eaten cold.

4. Steamed White Silk Fish
---One of the three whites of Taihu Lake
· Method
Select Taihu Lake White Silk Fish, add only a little ginger strips, scallion segments and salt, and use the steaming method to fully retain the fish's deliciousness. The steaming time must be precisely controlled to ensure the fish is cooked but not overcooked.
· Flavor
The fish meat is as white as garlic cloves, melts in the mouth, is extremely delicious, and has the freshness of the lake water. It is the preferred choice for health-conscious individuals.
· Story
White Silk Fish was listed as one of the "Three Whites of Lake Taihu" during the Song Dynasty. Due to its difficult catch, it was regarded as a precious delicacy. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, steamed White Silk Fish became a regular dish on the banquets of prominent families in Jiashan.
· Price Reference
About 58 yuan per portion.
· Tips
White Silk Fish has many small and sharp bones, so the elderly and children should be extra careful when eating.

5. Silver Fish with Eggs
---the ginseng of fish
· Method
Cook the Taihu silver fish together with eggs. The golden egg liquid wraps around the silver-white fish body, presenting a visually appealing color. During the cooking process, the heat needs to be controlled carefully to ensure the eggs are tender and the silver fish are flavorful.
· Flavor
The taste is tender, fresh and delicious. It is suitable for all ages and is a typical Jiangnan-style home-cooked dish. Silver fish is known as "the ginseng of fish", and it is rich in nutrients.
· Story
The lifespan of silver fish is only one year. This unique phenomenon has a mythological story. It is said that a pair of young boys and girls who were in love were turned into transparent little fish by the Dragon King. The method of silver fish's egg-laying is thus named "breaking the mother to give birth".
· Price Reference
About 40-50 yuan per portion.
· Tips
Silver fish is very tender and easy to cook through. It can also be mixed with egg liquid and cooked together in the pot.

6. Sauce-Braised Snails
---The wild flavor on your tongue in Qingming season
· Method
Select green-shelled snails, cut off the tails to facilitate flavor absorption and consumption. Add yellow bean sauce, scallions, ginger, garlic, and a little chili for stir-frying. The sauce is thick and red, with a rich flavor.
· Flavor
Rich in sauce aroma, with a fresh and spicy taste. When eating snails, the key is to "suck" them. Gently sucking, the fresh and spicy soup mixes with the tender snail meat, making it an excellent side dish for drinking and dining.
· Story
"The Qingming snails are as fat as geese." Spring is the best time to eat snails in Tongli. At this time, the snail meat is the fattest, and it is a seasonal wild delicacy on the spring table in the Jiangnan region.
· Price Reference
About 25-35 yuan per portion.
· Tips
It is recommended to be served with beer or rice for better flavor.

7. Coix Seed Soup
---The health-beneficial gift of water-planted ginseng
· Method
Select the "Chicken Head Millet" from Tongli's local products. It has plump grains and a jade-like color. Add an appropriate amount of water and sugar, and simmer slowly to make a thick soup. The texture is firm, soft and chewy.
· Flavor
It has a faint fragrance and sweetness. Having a bowl of hot Coix Seed Soup after eating warms the stomach and is good for health. It is the top choice among desserts.
· Story
Coix Seed, affectionately called "Chicken Head Millet" by the people of Tongli, is a local specialty and is known as the "water ginseng". It is an excellent choice for autumn nourishment.
· Price Reference
About 20-30 yuan per bowl.
· Tips
Fresh coix seeds have a strong seasonal characteristic and are best in autumn. When not in season, frozen products can be used, the texture may differ slightly.

8. Binding Pork
---The delightful simplicity
· Method
Wrap the pork strips tightly with green rice straw, then simmer them in soy sauce, sugar, and spices for an extended period. The fragrance of the straw permeates the meat, eliminating the greasy taste.
· Flavor
Crispy yet not crumbly, aromatic yet not greasy, with a unique herbal fragrance, making it a truly rustic delicacy.
· Story
Binding pork is a traditional farmhouse dish from Tongli, embodying the wisdom and simplicity of the local people. Bundling the meat with straw serves not only to shape it but also to enhance its distinctive flavor.
· Price Reference
About 40-50 yuan per serving.
· Tips
For better flavor, it is recommended to pair with rice or mantou.

 Restaurant 

1. Wine Jar & Rice Bucket Restaurant
· Address
No. 13, Zhuxing Street, Tongli Town (Enter through the south gate, cross the bridge and turn left)
· Telephone
13862507819
· Reference Price
Approximately 60-80 yuan per person
· Signature Dishes
Lotus leaf crispy chicken, osmanthus beef small cake, silver fish with eggs, homemade rice wine.

2. Tongli Food Farmhouse Specialties Restaurant
· Address
No. 62, Zhuxing Street, Tongli Ancient Town
· Telephone
15962595403 or 13584269821
· Reference Price
Approximately 70-80 yuan per person
· Signature Dishes
Authentic Suzhou-style home-style dishes, with an ancient and simple environment.

3. Hongyun Building
· Address
No. 250, Yuxing Street, Tongli Ancient Town
· Telephone
(0512) 63055377
· Reference Price
Approximately 80 - 100 yuan per person
· Signature Dishes
Water Chestnut and Silver Fish Soup, Steamed White Fish, Hot Oil Snail Fillet, and Pig's Trotter with Meat.

- Hotel Recommendations -

 Luxurious Hotels outside Tongli Water Town 

1. Tongli Lake Resort
· Address
No. 88 Huanhu West Road, Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
· Telephone
+86-512-6333088
· Price
Starting at $80 per night
· Highlights
Tongli Lake Resort is located on Hu Lake Road. It is only 700 meters away from Tongli Ancient Town and is situated by the side of Tongli Lake. It is surrounded by water on three sides, allowing you to enjoy the charming scenery of "Rainy Landscape" and "Listening to the Rain".
The hotel offers a variety of unique experience services, such as multiple handicraft courses, karting experience, sand digging, billiard room, etc. It is extremely suitable for families with children to stay.

2. Tongli Lake View Hotel
· Address
No. 8 Chongben Road, Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
· Telephone
+86-512-6333788
· Price
Starting at $97 per night
· Highlights
The hotel is located in Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou City, built right beside the beautiful Tongli Lake. It is only one kilometer away from Tongli Ancient Town. The total area is up to 100,000 square meters. The complete lake-side ecology, the exquisite Chinese-style garden, and the meticulous service have been highly praised by tourists from all over the world. The rich collection of cultural relics makes it a museum that is both habitable and touristic.
The hotel offers a variety of unique experience services, such as archery, horseback riding, canoeing, and a children's playground.

 The Cozy Guesthouses in Tongli Water Town 

3. Floral Lux Hotel · Tongli Mingyuan Hotel
· Address
No. 196 Yuhang Street, Tongli Ancient Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
· Telephone
+86-512-6348666
· Price
Starting at $119 per night
· Highlights
The guesthouse is located in the ancient town of Tongli. The inn has 5 courtyards and covers an area of 1,300 square meters. It was built in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China and is a representative building of the outstanding modernist style in Tongli.
The hotel room rate includes the ticket price for Tongli Ancient Town. The guesthouse also offers pick-up and drop-off services, Hanfu and Qipao experience, and afternoon tea packages, among other special services.

4. Floral Hotel · Taimuting Hotel
· Address
No. 138 Xintian Street, Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
· Telephone
+86-19121633861
· Price
Starting at $149 per night
· Highlights
The guesthouse was designed by the renowned domestic designer Lu Yufu. It retains the traditional form of Jiangnan water town garden architecture and adopts the layout of Ming-style furniture, featuring the distinctive characteristics of Jiangnan Ming-Qing garden style. The courtyard is inspired by the style of traditional Chinese gardens. Its layout is exquisite, elegant and simple. It combines traditional design with the charm of the Jiangnan water town, creating a sense of poetic living.

- Tour of Tongli Throughout the Four Seasons -

1. Spring (March - May)
---The poetic charm of the misty and rain-soaked Jiangnan region awakens
· Peonies and Magnolias in Retreat Garden
In the world-famous Cultural Heritage site of Retreat Garden, various flowers bloom in spring. Particularly, the peonies and white magnolias in the garden stand out as they are beautifully complemented by the classical garden setting.
· Sunflower Fields
The fields around the ancient town (such as Beilian Village) will be covered with golden sunflowers, creating a breathtaking rural oil painting with the white walls and black tiles of the houses.
· Rainy Walkway
When the rain is falling, sitting under the walkway and watching the raindrops fall into the river, creating ripples, is the best moment to experience tranquility.

2. Summer (June - August)
---A cool water town under the shade of lush green trees
· Scenic Lotus Viewing at Xiaodong Lake
The lotus flowers in Tongli Lake (also known as Xiaodong Lake) bloom in the hot summer, presenting a scene of "the lotus leaves stretching to the sky, green without end", which can be fully appreciated.
· The shade of Chuanxin Lane
As the narrowest lane in the ancient town, Chuanxin Lane never receives direct sunlight throughout the year, making it a natural "air-conditioned room". Walking through it allows one to feel the refreshing coolness.
· Night Tour of Tongli
Summer nights are the most lively time in Tongli. As the lights begin to shine, the red lanterns are reflected in the water. Taking a rowboat for a night tour and feeling the gentle breeze on your face is a unique and pleasant experience in summer.

3. Autumn (September - November)
---Photography under clear and crisp skies
· Osmanthus and Red Maple
The fragrance of osmanthus is overwhelming in Retreat Garden and Jiayin Hall. Then the red maples gradually turn color, and the golden ginkgo leaves cover the ground, making the colors of the ancient town extremely rich.
· The Sunset on Luoxing Zhou
In autumn, the sky is clear and the clouds are thin. Looking out from Lingshizhou Island, the setting sun shines on the lake, creating a perfect opportunity for shooting silhouette photos.
· The Season of Large Crabs
When autumn comes, the crab legs become itchy. Autumn is also the best time to taste Taihu large crabs and various lake fish.

4. Winter (December - February)
---The simple and elegant year-round atmosphere in the ink-wash painting
· Sun-drying Preserved Meats in the Ancient Town
The windowsills of the people in Linhe are filled with salted ducks, cured pork, and sausages. This is the most unique sight in the winter of the Jiangnan region, filled with a strong aroma of daily life.
· Roasting Tea by the Fire
In the ancient and elegant tea house, sitting around a small red clay stove, brewing a pot of hot tea, accompanied by roasted oranges, it warms the body and the heart.
· Water-town New Year Atmosphere
As the Spring Festival approaches, Tongli will hold traditional folk activities such as water-town weddings and making New Year cakes. You can experience the most authentic Jiangnan New Year.

- Tips for Visiting Tongli -

1. Be Careful of Mosquito Bites
As Tongli is located in the Jiangnan water town area, with numerous water bodies and lush green trees, mosquitoes are particularly active during the summer season. It is recommended to wear long-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellent lotion or spray.

2. Comfortable Clothing Comes First
Most of the streets in Tongli Ancient Town are made of ancient stone slabs. When visiting, it is recommended to wear comfortable and slip-resistant flat shoes, sports shoes or casual shoes.

3. Enter the Restaurant after Checking the Price
The restaurants in Tongli are mostly local-style eateries that offer various Jiangnan specialties. Before dining, it is recommended to confirm the price range to avoid paying excessive prices during peak hours or being charged high service fees.

4. Choosing Regular Ferry Boats for Cruises
Be sure to choose an authorized pier (such as Zhongchuan Bridge Pier or Luoxingzhou Pier). Before boarding, clarify the price (approximately 150 RMB per boat during the day; 180 RMB per boat for night tours) and the route (typically Three Bridges—Tuisiyuan Garden—Luoxingzhou), and confirm whether admission tickets to the attractions are included (note that for Luoxingzhou, a boat ticket is required to land on the island).

5. Reserve Accommodation in Advance
It is recommended that tourists reserve hotels or guesthouses online in advance to ensure availability and avoid unexpected high prices. Especially during the peak tourist season, looking for accommodation temporarily may encounter a shortage of rooms.
Rooms near water bodies usually offer a better experience. If traveling with elderly people, it is best to choose accommodations on lower floors for easier access and to reduce the difficulty of climbing stairs.

6. Safety Alert
Do not climb the ancient bridge or wade in water in unsecured areas to avoid accidents. When taking a boat trip, you should follow the safety regulations and follow the instructions of the boat operator.

Picturesque Tongli Water Town Tour from Suzhou with Hassle-Free Transfers Immersive Suzhou Day Tour: Exploring Tongli Water Town Tour From Suzhou

- Extended Experience Similar to Tongli -

1. Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
---The splendid past of China's first water town
· Introduction
Zhouzhuang is only about 10 kilometers away from Tongli and is known as "the first water town in China". If Tongli is regarded as a reclusive poet, then Zhouzhuang is the wealthy businessman. It was developed the earliest, has the greatest reputation, retains the most complete Ming and Qing architectural complexes, and is also the hometown of Shen Wansan.
· Key Attractions
Double Bridge, Shen Hall, Fu'an Bridge.
· Ticket Price
Day tour ticket: 100 yuan per person.
Night tour ticket: 80 yuan per person (including water show). Free admission after 16:30 on weekdays and after 20:30 on holidays (only valid for the main street).

2. Suzhou Gardens
---The pinnacle dialogue of Chinese gardens
· Introduction
Suzhou is known as the "City of Gardens", and its numerous exquisite garden attractions are highly renowned worldwide. Starting from Zhouzhuang and driving for about an hour, you can reach the ancient city of Suzhou.
· Key Attractions
Famous gardens such as the Summer Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan) and the Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan) are all typical Jiangnan gardens, integrating harmonious beauty of mountains, water, architecture, and plants. It is a great place to experience Jiangnan culture and aesthetics.
· Ticket Price
Summer Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan):
Peak season price (April - October): 80 yuan per person
Off-season price (October 31st - April 15th of the following year): 70 yuan per person
Opening hours: 07:30 - 17:30
Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan):
Peak season price (April, May, July - October): 55 yuan per person
Off-season price (January - March, June, November - December): 45 yuan per person
Opening hours: 07:30 - 17:30

3. Wuzhen
---A precise dream weaved by drama and light
· Introduction
Wuzhen (especially the West Side) is the "top standard" for the management of ancient towns in the Jiangnan region. Although it is highly commercialized, it excels in having extremely strict management and an extremely clean environment, with almost no soliciting behavior. It is the venue for the World Internet Conference and a regular location for the drama festival, featuring a blend of modernity and tradition.
· Key Attractions
West Gate Night View, Muxin Art Museum, Wuzhen Grand Theatre.
· Ticket Price
Dongzha Side Scenic Area: 110 yuan per person.
Xizha West Scenic Area: 150 yuan per person.
East and West Side Combined Ticket: 190 yuan per person.

4. Luzhi Ancient Town
---A secluded and independent ancient and mysterious place
· Introduction
Luzhi Ancient Town is a small town with a rare name but rich cultural heritage. It is quieter than Xier town and more rustic than Zhouzhuang. There is no excessive development here, and it has preserved a large number of the original residents' living conditions. It is hailed as "the Potala Palace of modern society".
· Key Attractions
Baosheng Temple, Wansheng Rice Store.
· Ticket Price
Ancient town district gate admission ticket: Free (Open all day, can enter at any time).
Combined ticket for attractions (Recommended): 60 yuan per person.
Included attractions: It includes core attractions such as Baosheng Temple, Shen's Mansion, Wansheng Rice Store, and the Water Town Agricultural Tools Museum.
Purchase suggestions: If you are interested in history and culture, it is recommended to buy the combined ticket. If you just want to take a walk in the ancient town, take some photos of the ancient bridges, and have some snacks, you don't need to buy a ticket.

Tongli Ancient Town is the most peaceful water-side ancient town near Shanghai: there are no crowded people, only small bridges, flowing water, rowing boats, gentle songs, white walls, dark tiles and slow time. The true Jiangnan is not in the hustle and bustle, but in the tranquility of Tongli.

Enchanting Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Tour with Bullet Train Travel from Shanghai Old Bridges & Local Life: Luzhi Water Town Day Experience from Suzhou