General Information

• Location: Tongli Water Town is located in the southern outskirts of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. It is about 18 kilometers from Suzhou and 80 kilometers from Shanghai.
• History: Tongli has a history of over 1,000 years. It was established in the Song Dynasty and is very rich in cultural heritage.
• Features: The town is separated by 15 rivers into seven islets, which are connected through 49 ancient bridges. It is known as the "Oriental Venice" and a "museum of ancient architectures".

Highlights and Attractions

• Retreat and Reflection (Tui Si) Garden: Designed by the retired official Ren Lansheng between 1885 and 1887, this is the most spectacular attraction in Tongli Water Town. The garden's name, "Tui Si," means reflecting on past faults when away from officialdom. The ingenious style conforms to the native landforms and conditions. It covers 700 square meters and is made up of two parts. The east part has verandas, ponds, waterside pavilions, marble boats, halls, kiosks, rockeries, and bridges. Along with flourishing trees and colorful flowers, it is beautiful and charming in all seasons.
• Jiayin Hall: Built in 1922, it is located in the front part of Youjia Lane in Zhuxing Street. It has four entrances, and all the doors, windows, and beams are well-carved. The main architecture imitates the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty and is commonly referred to as the "gauze cap hall" as the front beam resembles the cap wing in the Ming Dynasty. There are various carvings on the beams, including eight pictures in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"1.
• Chongben Hall: Located on the northern side of Changqing Bridge in Fuguan Street, it is built by the water facing the south. The group of architectures develops in depth revolving around the axle wire. With an area of one mu (about 667 square meters), although there are only a few buildings, they are laid out compactly and exquisitely. The hall is known for its various sculptures and carvings1.
• Three Bridges: The Three Bridges refer to Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge, and Changqing Bridge. They are arranged in a triangle at the convergences of three rivers, forming ring roads in the town. Tongli people like "walking across the three bridges." During weddings and other celebrations, people happily walk across the bridges accompanied by drums, firecrackers, and praying for peace, auspiciousness, and everlasting happiness1.
• Canal Cruise: Taking a cruise along the canals in a traditional boat is a great way to enjoy the scenery of the water town. You can see the ancient bridges, traditional houses, and the peaceful life of the local people.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March - May): The weather is mild, and the flowers are in bloom. It is a great time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the water town and experience the traditional culture.
• Autumn (September - November): The temperature is comfortable, and the autumn scenery is charming. You can taste local seasonal delicacies such as crabs.

How to Get There

• By Bus: Buses leave at regular intervals throughout the day from Suzhou Railway Station or Suzhou South Bus Station.
• By Car: If you have a car, you can drive to Tongli. The journey takes about 30 - 45 minutes from Suzhou.

Tickets and Opening Hours

• Opening Hours: The town is open all day, but the scenic spots are open from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Ticket Price: The entrance fee is 100 RMB. A ticket is valid for 2 days and includes entry to a total of 10 scenic spots.

Food and Beverage

• Tongli Rice Wine: A local specialty with a long history and unique flavor.
• Tongli Sugar: Sweet and delicious, it is a good choice for souvenirs.
• Tongli Tea: Enjoy a cup of tea while experiencing the slow-paced life of the water town.
• Tongli 状元蹄 (Tongli Zhuangyuan Ti): A famous local dish. It is a braised pork trotter that is said to have a history dating back to the Song Dynasty. The meat is tender and flavorful4.
• Taihu Sanbai (Three Whites of Taihu Lake): This includes white fish, white shrimp, and silver fish. These dishes are fresh and delicious, highlighting the unique cuisine of the water town2.

Tips

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: There is a lot of walking involved in exploring the water town, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.
• Respect the Local Culture: Tongli has a rich cultural heritage, so please respect the local traditions and customs.
• Try the Local Snacks: There are many local snacks and delicacies in Tongli. Don't miss the opportunity to taste them and experience the local food culture.
• Book Accommodation in Advance: If you want to stay in the water town overnight, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.