Tongli Ancient Town
Tongli Ancient Town is located in Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Founded in the early Shaoxing period of the Southern Song Dynasty, it is one of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan and is known as the "Oriental Venice". There are 15 interconnected rivers in the ancient town, connected by 49 stone - bridges, and surrounded by five lakes. With a profound cultural heritage, it has always been a place where outstanding people and rich cultures gather. There are 3 national - level key cultural relics protection units, 3 provincial - level cultural relics protection units, etc. in the town. The famous scenic spot, Tuisi Garden, is a classic of "Suzhou Classical Gardens" and has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage. Tongli is not only a beautiful ancient water - town, but also an important town for rice trade in the ancient Jiangnan water - town economic network, known as one of the "Four Major Rice Markets in Jiangsu". It is also a cultural town on the Grand Canal cultural belt. It is a national AAAAA - level tourist scenic area, attracting countless tourists at home and abroad with its unique charm
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Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Tongli Ancient Town: Suzhou's "Oriental Venice"
Tongli Ancient Town is located in Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Founded in the early Shaoxing period of the Southern Song Dynasty, it is one of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan and is known as the "Oriental Venice". There are 15 interconnected rivers in the ancient town, connected by 49 stone bridges, and surrounded by five lakes. With a profound cultural heritage, it has always been a place where outstanding people and rich cultures gather. There are 3 national-level key cultural relics protection units, 3 provincial-level cultural relics protection units, etc. in the town. The famous scenic spot, Tuisi Garden, is a classic of "Suzhou Classical Gardens" and has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage. Tongli is not only a beautiful ancient water town, but also an important town for rice trade in the ancient Jiangnan water town economic network, known as one of the "Four Major Rice Markets in Jiangsu". It is also a cultural town on the Grand Canal cultural belt. It is a national AAAAA-level tourist scenic area, attracting countless tourists at home and abroad with its unique charm.
What to See and Do
Boat Ride on the Canals: The best way to experience Tongli is by taking a traditional gondola-style boat ride along its intricate network of canals. This offers a unique perspective of the ancient buildings and bridges.
Explore Ancient Bridges: Tongli is famous for its numerous ancient bridges, each with its own unique architectural style and story. Don't miss the "Three Bridges" (Taiping, Jili, and Changqing), which are popular for good luck.
Tuisi Garden (退思园): A UNESCO World Heritage site and a classic example of Suzhou gardens. It's known for its compact yet exquisite design, with buildings and gardens seamlessly integrated.
Traditional Architecture: Wander through the narrow, stone-paved streets and alleys, admiring the well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, with its white walls and black tiles.
Local Snacks and Handicrafts: Discover shops selling local handicrafts, traditional snacks, and souvenirs. Try the famous Tongli smoked fish and various local pastries.
Cultural Sites: Visit various cultural sites, including the Jiayin Hall, Chongben Hall, and the Pearl Tower, which offer insights into the town's history and culture.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring. The town is beautiful year-round. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays. Arrive early to experience the town's tranquility before the crowds arrive.
How to Get There
Tongli Ancient Town is located in Wujiang District, Suzhou. You can take a bus from Suzhou city center or a taxi to Tongli. Many tour operators offer organized tours that include Tongli.
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets and bridges.
Allow ample time: Plan for at least half a day to a full day to explore the town thoroughly.
Bargain: In smaller shops, especially for souvenirs, bargaining might be possible.
Enjoy the tranquility: Tongli is generally less crowded than some other water towns, offering a more peaceful experience.
Related attractions
Zhouzhuang
Zhouzhuang, known as the "Venice of the East," is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed candidate and one of China’s most iconic water towns. Located in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, it dates back over 900 years and is renowned for its stone bridges, canals, and Ming-Qing Dynasty architecture. The town’s layout centers on four interconnected lakes, with waterways forming a "well" pattern that inspired 陈逸飞’s famous painting Memory of Hometown
Tongli Ancient Town
Tongli Ancient Town is located in Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Founded in the early Shaoxing period of the Southern Song Dynasty, it is one of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan and is known as the "Oriental Venice". There are 15 interconnected rivers in the ancient town, connected by 49 stone - bridges, and surrounded by five lakes. With a profound cultural heritage, it has always been a place where outstanding people and rich cultures gather. There are 3 national - level key cultural relics protection units, 3 provincial - level cultural relics protection units, etc. in the town. The famous scenic spot, Tuisi Garden, is a classic of "Suzhou Classical Gardens" and has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage. Tongli is not only a beautiful ancient water - town, but also an important town for rice trade in the ancient Jiangnan water - town economic network, known as one of the "Four Major Rice Markets in Jiangsu". It is also a cultural town on the Grand Canal cultural belt. It is a national AAAAA - level tourist scenic area, attracting countless tourists at home and abroad with its unique charm
Hanshan Temple
Hanshan Temple, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landmark, is a 1,500-year-old Buddhist temple in Suzhou. It gained global fame through Zhang Ji’s Tang Dynasty poem Mooring by Maple Bridge at Night, which immortalized its midnight bell. The temple’s architecture blends Qing Dynasty styles with Jiangnan garden aesthetics, featuring: Great Buddha Hall：Houses a Sakyamuni statue and 36 stone tablets inscribed with Hanshan’s poems. Bell Tower：Contains a Ming Dynasty bronze bell (108 strikes symbolize dispelling 108 human sorrows). Visitors can ring the bell for 5 RMB (3 strikes). Stele Corridor：Showcases calligraphic masterpieces of Maple Bridge by Yu Yue, Wen Zhengming, and others. Puming Pagoda：A Tang-style wooden pagoda with the poem carved on its exterior, surrounded by a koi pond.
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill, or "Huqiu," is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark and one of Suzhou’s most iconic attractions. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, it is renowned as the "No. 1 Scenic Spot in Wu Region." The hill’s name originates from a legend that a white tiger guarded the tomb of King Helü of Wu after his burial here in 496 BC
Pingjiang Road
Pingjiang Road is a 1,606-meter-long historical street in Suzhou’s Gusu District, tracing its origins back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279). Recognized as a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award recipient, it preserves the "parallel water-land, adjacent river-street" layout from the Song Dynasty’s Pingjiang Map, featuring stone bridges, canals, and Ming-Qing era white-walled, black-tiled residences
