Tongli Ancient Town: A Living "Land of Abundance" in Jiangnan

Tongli Town Overview

Tongli belongs to Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and was founded during the Song Dynasty. In ancient times, it was known as "Futu" (Land of Abundance) due to its prosperity.
The town’s charm lies in its classic Jiangnan scenery of small bridges, flowing water, and riverside homes.

Fifteen canals arranged in a grid divide the town into seven small islands, which are connected by 49 ancient bridges, forming a delicate maze of waterways.
Tongli is an important part of the UNESCO-listed Suzhou Classical Gardens and is also closely linked to another World Heritage Site - the Grand Canal of China.

Top Attractions & Experiences in Tongli

Visiting Tongli is about experiencing its living culture and its outstanding Ming–Qing dynasty architecture.

Historic Architecture & Gardens

Tuisi Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The soul of Tongli and a masterpiece of late-Qing private gardens.
Famous as a "water-hugging garden," its pavilions and halls sit right beside the water, creating the illusion of floating architecture.
From March 2025, the Tuisi Garden Night Experience opens, featuring lights and traditional music for a unique Jiangnan atmosphere.

Pearl Pagoda Scenic Garden (Chen Yushi Residence)

A grand former official's residence with an expansive garden. Pavilions, ponds, and rockeries are designed to blend naturally with the surroundings.

Chongben Hall & Jiayin Hall

Two historic residences facing each other across the canal.

• Chongben Hall is renowned for its exquisite brick and wood carvings and now houses the Jiangnan Water  Town Wedding Customs Museum.

• Jiayin Hall is known for its spacious, lofty main halls.

Gengle Hall

A Ming-dynasty residence featuring a 600-year-old white pine and a centuries-old boxwood tree, often called the "Twin Treasures" of the courtyard.

Classic Water Town Scenes

Walking the Three Bridges

Taiping, Jili, and Changqing Bridges form a "品"-shaped layout and symbolize Tongli. Traditionally believed to bring good luck, this walk is a must-do for visitors.

Chuanxin Alley

Tongli's narrowest lane, just wide enough for one person. The hollow stone slabs echo underfoot, creating a memorable sensory experience.

Ming & Qing Street

About 160 meters long, this street preserves the traditional dual-level street layout unique to Jiangnan, lined with shops and local businesses.

Cultural & Special Experiences

Hand-Rowed Boat Ride

Glide through canals and under ancient bridges on a traditional boat. Evening rides offer beautiful reflections of lantern-lit waterways.

Suzhou Pingtan Performances

Enjoy daily storytelling and ballad performances at Nanyuan Teahouse or Ink-Style Tongli Theatre - a perfect blend of ancient town and intangible cultural heritage.

Explore the Wetlands

Tongli National Wetland Park, just outside the town, offers bamboo rafting through metasequoia forests, birdwatching, and peaceful nature walks.

Nearby Destinations & Itineraries

Tongli is centrally located in the Jiangnan water town region, making it easy to combine with nearby towns and cities.

Nearby Highlights

Suzhou Old Town: Easy access via Metro Line 4; famous gardens and temples.

Zhouzhuang: Classic water town known for Twin Bridges and historic mansions.

Jiaxing: Visit South Lake and Yuehe Historic Street.

Suggested Itineraries

2 Days in Tongli

·       Day 1: Tuisi Garden, Pearl Pagoda Garden, Three Bridges, Ming & Qing Street, evening boat ride or Pingtan.

·       Day 2: Gengle Hall, Chuanxin Alley, Tongli Wetland Park.

3–4 Days Jiangnan Loop

·       Day 1: Tongli

·       Day 2: Zhouzhuang

·       Day 3–4: Suzhou or Jiaxing

Getting to & from Tongli

By Air:
The nearest airports are Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. From there, transfer by high-speed train or private car to Suzhou/Tongli.

By High-Speed Train:
The most convenient public option. Travel to Suzhou Railway Station or Suzhou North Station, then take Metro Line 4 to the terminal Tongli Station.

By Private Car:
Easily accessible from Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing via expressways. Cars must park at designated lots (North, South, or East) before walking into the ancient town.

Best Time to Visit

Best Seasons: Spring (Apr–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov). Spring features fresh greenery and the Tongli in Spring festival; autumn is cool and scenic.

Winter: Fewer visitors and a quiet atmosphere.

Night Experiences: From 2025, enjoy evening canal cruises and the Tuisi Garden Night Tour.

Must-Try Local Food

Zhuangyuan Pork Knuckle: Tender braised pork, Tongli's signature dish.

Gorgon Nut (Qiantoumi) Dishes: Local specialty in stir-fries, cakes, and steamed pork.

River Seafood: Seasonal snails and fish dishes, fresh and flavorful.

Traditional Snacks: Crispy Wadi Su pastries and local cakes - ideal souvenirs.

Where to Stay in Tongli

Inside the Ancient Town (Recommended): Historic riverside guesthouses for an immersive stay.

Blossom Hill · Lizhe Academy – restored historic school with strong design appeal.

Luxury Option:

Mingyuan Residence – upscale boutique stay in a restored Qing-era residence.