Off the Beaten Path: Explore Lili Water Town in a Day from Suzhou

Tour Itinerary

Your day begins as our professional English-speaking guide greets you in the lobby of your Suzhou hotel, holding a sign that reads “Your Way Holiday.” After a warm welcome, you’ll embark on a comfortable private car ride to Lili Ancient Town, located about 50 kilometers southwest of Suzhou. Unlike the more commercialized water towns nearby, Lili retains a tranquil, authentic atmosphere. With its network of quiet canals, cobbled alleyways, and historic residences, Lili offers a peaceful and immersive journey into the heart of Jiangnan culture.

Upon arrival, your tour begins with a peaceful stroll through Lili’s ancient bridges and narrow lanes. These cobblestone paths meander through the heart of the town, crossing gently arching stone bridges that reflect beautifully on the calm canal waters. Each bridge, with poetic names like Wenxing Bridge and Li Bridge, tells a quiet story of the town’s past. Some date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties and feature stone inscriptions and wear patterns from centuries of foot traffic. These elegant structures, often flanked by weeping willows, are ideal spots for photography and moments of quiet reflection.

Your first major stop is the Liu Yazi Memorial Hall. This elegant courtyard residence honors the life and work of Liu Yazi, a prominent modern poet, scholar, and patriot. Inside the hall, you’ll find original manuscripts, personal photographs, rare books, and calligraphy works that reveal Liu’s contributions to both literature and political thought in early 20th-century China. The serene courtyards and garden paths lined with bamboo and plum trees create a setting that reflects the scholarly spirit Liu embodied. The displays are thoughtfully arranged to take you chronologically through his literary journey and social activism.

Next, you’ll visit the China Pewter Museum, the first of its kind in the country. Pewter, a traditional Chinese alloy, has been used for centuries in teapots, wine cups, and ceremonial vessels. The museum showcases the delicate artistry involved in creating these objects, from mold-making and casting to engraving and polishing. Antique pewter objects—many collected from across southern China—are displayed alongside contemporary designs, highlighting the evolution of form and function. Interactive exhibits even allow visitors to try engraving or feel the texture of pewter utensils, making this an immersive cultural stop.

Continue your journey to the Duanben Garden, an ancestral shrine and former family residence that has been lovingly restored. This traditional Jiangnan-style hall exemplifies Confucian values, with dedicated spaces for ancestral worship, family ceremonies, and scholarly education. The wooden plaques engraved with family lineages, the incense burner altar, and the stone-paved courtyards evoke deep respect for tradition and filial piety. Your guide will explain the symbolism behind architectural elements, such as “gate towers” and “screen walls,” and how these private halls once functioned as the heart of social life in the community.

After a relaxing morning of exploration, you’ll enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant nestled within one of Lili’s historic courtyards. The meal highlights classic Jiangnan flavors—light, seasonal, and beautifully presented. Dishes may include steamed river fish with ginger and scallion, braised pork belly, stir-fried lotus root, and other local specialties prepared with fresh ingredients. As you dine surrounded by wooden beams, carved screens, and canal views, the tranquil atmosphere enhances the experience of tasting authentic Lili cuisine. Your guide will assist with recommendations, and vegetarian options are available upon request.

You’ll then enjoy a visit to the Fan Hua Study House—a literary retreat that feels like stepping into a Chinese painting. This beautifully curated space is part library, part teahouse, and part cultural salon. It features a rotating selection of books on ancient poetry, Suzhou embroidery, ink painting, and traditional aesthetics. The reading nooks are decorated with seasonal floral displays and calligraphy scrolls. You may relax with a cup of chrysanthemum or longjing tea while browsing handmade bookmarks, notebooks, or painted fans. Occasionally, the space hosts poetry readings or brush painting workshops for visitors.

For a modern cultural twist, stop by the Bilibili Documentary Courtyard. Created in collaboration with the Bilibili platform, this small yet vibrant courtyard has transformed a historical residence into a multimedia space. Inside, you’ll find short documentary screenings that highlight the real lives of Lili’s artisans—such as shoemakers, paper lantern makers, tofu vendors, and shadow puppet performers. QR codes link to extended video content, allowing younger visitors to connect online while appreciating traditional life offline. The rustic courtyard setting makes for a cozy and thought-provoking pause in your tour.

A highlight of your day is a visit to the Six Arts Museum. This privately owned cultural gem houses thousands of artifacts celebrating China’s rich folk traditions. The museum features over 20 themed exhibition spaces, including Temple Fair Scenes, Fortune Symbolism, Village Healing Practices, and Folk Toys. Each room is a visual feast of color, texture, and storytelling—from rooms adorned with ancestral tablets and lanterns to massive carved doors salvaged from rural homes. Children can enjoy hands-on stations like puppet theaters or stamping seals. The museum is not only educational but also delightfully whimsical, reflecting the Confucian belief in nurturing a well-rounded spirit through engagement with art, music, ritual, and nature.

Before returning, enjoy some free time to explore the charming streets and riverside lanes on your own. This is your chance to browse small shops selling handmade incense, embroidered sachets, paper fans, ceramic teaware, and local snacks like glutinous rice balls, sweet osmanthus pastries, and marinated tofu. Interacting with friendly vendors adds a personal touch to your visit, and you may even witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Optional: For those wishing to cap off the experience in the most serene way, a short boat ride along Lili’s canals is available. As you glide beneath stone bridges and past mossy walls and flowering balconies, the gentle pace of life on the water offers the perfect ending to a peaceful day.

After a full day of exploration, return to your private vehicle and enjoy a comfortable ride back to Suzhou. The gentle beauty, rich culture, and authentic atmosphere of Lili Ancient Town will leave a lasting impression—offering a rare, immersive window into the soul of Jiangnan’s living heritage.

Price Per Person in US Dollars