[2025 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Tongli Ancient Town (Updated Jul)

No matter how many times I visit Suzhou, I always have different feelings. This time, I'm sharing a two-day weekend itinerary for all the hard-working people to relax on the weekend! ✅Suzhou Two Days and One Night Itinerary DAY1⃣️: Pingjiang Road ➡️ Fengmen Old Street ➡️ Jinji Lake Gate to the Orient 🟢Pingjiang Road: I chose Pingjiang Road as the starting point because there are many very delicious and famous breakfast shops nearby. After eating your favorite breakfast, you can stroll around Pingjiang Road. Of course, it is still recommended that you come here early on the weekend. There are fewer people and it is very charming, and you don't even need to wait in line for tea. 🔵Fengmen Old Street: A very lively street, the morning farmers market and breakfast stalls are full of the most original flavors of a city. 🟠Jinji Lake Gate to the Orient: Slow down here, you can have fun for most of the day. There are many activities and many places to take pictures. Of course, "living in the crotch" comes from here, and there is also a fountain show to watch at night. DAY2⃣️: Tongli Ancient Town 💰Tickets: CNY 80 (including all attractions inside) ⭐No tickets are required if you enter before 8am or after 5pm ‼️Be sure to check the prices before ordering in the restaurants in the ancient town, some of them may have traps. If time permits, it is still recommended to find food outside the ancient town. 🍱Recommended food: 🟤Lu Zhenxing Noodle Restaurant ⚠️There are two stores near Pingjiang Road, one of which has Pingtan to listen to, so the price is more expensive. 🟠Honey Small Bread (Fengmen Old Street) 🟢Wangji Yaojia Authentic Su Cuisine (super cost-effective, good quality and low price, in the center of Suzhou) 🔵Wuyue Rongji (near Tongli Ancient Town, CNY 100 per person, although a bit expensive, the taste is very good and the dishes are large) Suzhou, Jiangsu

I thought Wuzhen was beautiful, until I visited Tongli. Hey friends, who hasn't heard of the six ancient towns of Jiangnan? Today, I'm taking you on a journey to the picturesque scenery of Jiangsu Province. Unveiling the complete guide to Tongli, Suzhou. Come explore the charm of this Jiangnan water town with me!💃 🌈【Itinerary】 A day trip to Tongli Ancient Town is full of excitement! From the tranquility of the Retreat & Reflection Garden to the ancient Gengle Hall, and then to the winding paths of Chuanxin Alley, every step is a scenic view. Enjoy tea at Nanyuan Tea House, stroll along the Three Bridges, explore the Jiayin Hall, admire the wedding customs at Chongben Hall, and take a gondola ride through the waterways of Ming and Qing Streets to experience the charm of the ancient town. Don't forget, Tongli National Wetland Park is also waiting for you to explore! 💖What to do? 1️⃣Retreat & Reflection Garden: A model of a late Qing Dynasty private garden, simple and elegant, like an ink painting. 2️⃣Gengle Hall: A private residence from the Ming Dynasty, where the white bark pine has witnessed over 400 years of history. 3️⃣Chongben Hall: A special exhibition hall showcasing the folk wedding customs of the Jiangnan water town, allowing you to experience the charm of traditional wedding customs. 4️⃣Gondola ride: Take a gondola ride through the ancient town's waterways and experience the tranquility and beauty of the water town. 🍽️What to eat? Wadi酥 (crispy sock-shaped pastry), Retreat & Reflection Garden cookies, preserved mustard shortbread, ear-shaped cookies, ox-nose shortbread... every bite is a taste of the ancient town. There are also special dishes such as Zhuangyuan pork knuckle and Taihu Lake "Three Whites" waiting for you to try! 🌳【Tongli National Wetland Park】 Here, you can take an electric boat or a hand-cranked boat to tour the lakes, forests, flower fields, and grasslands, and experience the charm of nature. Don't forget to taste the farmhouse cuisine on the boat banquet, allowing you to fully enjoy nature's gifts. 📍Address: Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province 🚗Transportation: 1.5 hours by car from Hangzhou Come to Tongli and experience the charm of the Jiangnan water town!🌸🌸🌸

Explore Shanghai, Nanjing, and Yangzhou in 6 days! This amazing itinerary will take you to experience the unique charms of Jiangnan. Come and explore with us! -- 🎉 Itinerary Overview: 🚩 Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai/Nanjing. We will arrange an airport transfer for you. Check in to the hotel and relax. 🛫🏨 Day 2: Visit the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River Scenic Area to experience the cultural heritage of the Confucius Temple, then head to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to pay tribute to the martyrs. 🏯🌳 Day 3: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Slender West Lake, explore the Zen lifestyle of Nianhua Bay, and then head to Wuzhen Xizha to experience the charm of the water town. 🌸🏞️ Day 4: Visit the West Lake Scenic Area, experience the thousand-year charm of Songcheng in Hangzhou, and visit Tongli Ancient Town at night to enjoy the night view of the ancient town. 🌄🏮 Day 5: Visit the Lion Grove Garden and Hanshan Temple to experience the classical gardens and temple culture of Suzhou, then take a boat tour of the ancient canal in Suzhou to enjoy the art of Suzhou Pingtan, and finally go to the 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower to enjoy the beautiful view of the Huangpu River. 🛶🏙️ Day 6: Stroll along the Bund to admire the historical buildings of the former foreign concessions, then go shopping and relax on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. 🏢🛍️ -- Travel Tips: 🛫 Airport Transportation: Choose a flight close to your destination to avoid long layovers and save time. 🍜 Food: Don't miss the Shanghai soup dumplings, Nanjing salted duck, and Yangzhou fried rice! 🎭 Local Customs: Experience the Yangzhou Dragon Boat Race and feel the charm of traditional folk customs. 🎁 Local Products: Compare prices when buying local products. Yangzhou Fengji and pickles are good value for money. 🔒 Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings and be careful in crowded places. -- Explore the prosperity of Shanghai, the ancient charm of Nanjing, and the leisure of Yangzhou. May your journey be full of beauty and memories! 💖

#ancienttown China is renowned for its numerous ancient towns, making it difficult to choose just one. After much thought, we decided on Tongli in Suzhou. The journey was quite smooth, taking about an hour by metro, followed by a short uber ride from the station. When we arrived in Tongli, we were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was, almost as if we had the entire town to ourselves. The sprawling compound, filled with dynasty-era pavilions, small bridges over the flowing emerald green water, gardens, charming old shops gave us a fascinating glimpse into life during the olden days. It felt like stepping back in time. #myhiddengems #100waysoftravel #suzhou

#travelanywhere Tongli Water Town, located in Suzhou, China, is a picturesque and historic town known for its network of canals, traditional architecture, and ancient stone bridges. The town's well-preserved layout, featuring Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, gardens, and temples, offers a glimpse into ancient Chinese life and makes it a popular tourist destination, it has been given nickname Venice of the East. Some of the most interesting places to visit in Tongli are: Tuisi Garden (Retreat and Reflection Garden): This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design, featuring elegant pavilions, serene ponds, winding pathways, and meticulously arranged rockeries and plants. Three Bridges (Taiping, Jili, and Changqing): These bridges are iconic symbols of Tongli, forming a triangle and representing happiness, fortune, and longevity. They are a must-visit for their historical and cultural significance. Jiayin Hall: This historical residence is renowned for its exquisite wood carvings and traditional decorations, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of ancient Chinese scholars and the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Chongben Hall: Known for its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens, Chongben Hall is another example of a well-preserved historical residence, reflecting the opulence of its former inhabitants. Gengle Hall: Once the home of a wealthy merchant, Gengle Hall is famous for its intricate woodwork and spacious layout, providing insight into the lives of the affluent in ancient China. Canal Boat Rides: Exploring Tongli by boat allows visitors to experience the town’s network of canals and see its charming bridges and historic buildings from a unique perspective. Visitors can find a variety of unique and traditional items to purchase as souvenirs or gifts, such as silk products, handmade fans, local snacks and sweet, caligraphy and painting, and many more. These items reflect the rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions of Tongli and Suzhou, making them perfect mementos of your visit. #suzhou #suzhoutrip #tongli

The hotel originates from the high-end full-service resort hotel brand 'Huating' of Huazhu Group. Huating embodies the cultural connotation of the Chinese family brand, inheriting and deconstructing the cultural texture, history, humanities, and natural features of the location, as well as the local tourism endowment, to create a beautiful modern paradise. The hotel is located within Tongli Ancient Town and consists of two parts: the ancient style garden and the Lizhe Women's School. The Lizhe Women's School was built by Ren Chuanxin, the second-generation owner of the Tuisi Garden, and has a history of over a hundred years. Respecting the original space, the hotel has been restored to its old state, allowing travelers to continue witnessing the beauty of that era of dramatic changes. There are also rich Huating holiday experiences for you to enjoy deep physical and mental rest, such as the Huating welcome tea that integrates local characteristics, a bowl of local flavor; and activities like the Four Seasons Tea Charm, Huating Fragrance Events, and other 7X12 Huating daily activities, especially recommended for family vacations and pet-friendly travel.

After visiting all the ancient towns in Jiangnan, the one that I find most unforgettable is Tongli. Tongli Ancient Town in March seems to have absorbed all the gentleness of Jiangnan, where every blooming spring flower, every willow branch, and every drop of drizzle seems to hide endless tenderness, making it hard for one to leave. 🌿Tongli Ancient Town 🌿Zhongchuan South Road, Wujiang District, Suzhou📍 🌿Ticket Price💰100 (Free before 8 am and after 5 pm) 🌲One of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan, formerly known as 'Futu', Tongli dates back to the Song Dynasty, with a history of a thousand years. 🌲Tongli is a typical Suzhou-style garden with virtually no dead ends; every corner is a scene in itself. Every plant, flower, and stone in the garden seems to tell a story. 🌲Many bridges in the garden are well-preserved, with Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge, and Changqing Bridge collectively known as 'Three Bridges'. Walking across the 'Three Bridges' is a local custom, symbolizing good fortune and wealth. 🌲Luoxingzhou is a small island within the lake of Tongli Ancient Town, accessible only by boat. It is said to be the prototype for the Yanziwu in Jin Yong's 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'. 🌲Commercial traces are inevitable in ancient Jiangnan towns, but fortunately, we came in March when there were not many people. It was a bit cold, but the scenery was beautiful. The willows were just budding, and the cherry blossoms were just blooming, especially atmospheric when it was drizzling. 🌲In the ancient town, we stumbled upon an inconspicuous little shop without even a signboard. The owner is a craftsman who makes stunning bamboo clothing and has delicately drawn the 'Prosperous Suzhou' map. A year has passed, and I wonder if it's completed. If you come across this shop, remember to take a look. 🌲Before entering the scenic area, there is a pedestrian street with food and drink available. You can try the 'Zhuangyuan Hoof', 'Tu Si Cake', 'Red Bean Cake', 'Bull Nose Crisp', 'Sock Bottom Crisp', and many more. 🌲There is a cozy cafe in the garden, not big, but very warm, and great for taking photos. 🌲You can row a boat in the garden, which costs 💰120 for a boat that can carry 6 people.

Tongli Ancient Town: Night View Went to Tongli for a day Visited most of the attractions during the day I want to go back to the city around 5 o'clock But before leaving, I remembered that the aunt on the rowing boat said the night view was nice I waited for another 2 hours for sunset. result this. beautiful. scene! I am so grateful to myself for deciding to wait for the night view❤️ I don't quite remember the location of the photo. The reflection seems to be over there at the Pearl Tower? The red lanterns are on the other side of the Sanqiao Bridge Anyway, the town is not big It takes less than 1 hour to complete the walk Everyone will find it Suggest to find a restaurant to eat Because these yellow lights seem to turn off at 10 o'clock There are fewer people before 10 o'clock. It is also convenient to eat and take photos #Tongli Ancient Town #Suzhou #Night view #Ancient Town

Location: Tongli ancient town in Jiangsu province. Getting there: A one hour drive from Suzhou or Shanghai. Tongli costs about 130 RMB entrance fee. It is worth the money. Spend the day walking along the narrow streets admiring the wonderful traditional architecture. Take a boat ride down the canals and feel like you're in the Venice of the east. Try the many delicious local snacks and buy some souvenirs too. It's really picturesque here and worth the day trip. #tongli

Getting There - Subway line 4 and ART Attractions - history Hotels - Riverine Residence Suzhou Tongli Food & Restaurants - local Shopping - local if you’re looking for a relaxing get away from the hustle and bustle of the city I would recommend visiting Tongli ancient town in Suzhou. with many places to see rich in history and culture down to taking a private boat tour through the canals this is a picturesque place.#yearofrabbit #newyearadventure

I went on this really amazing photography trip the other day to the quiet town called Tongli. This is located at the far south side of Suzhou. I’ve only been here a couple times but it still felt brand-new to be in this place. There’s so many things to see so many beautiful sites and interesting food and spices and souvenirs so you can get. And every once in a while you see one of the most beautiful sites of the calm and peaceful canal. I definitely recommend that you check this place out because I surely wasn’t disappointed when I went there.#bucketlistreboot #passionpassport #staycation #gooutside #urbanexplorer #naturalwonders #lakes #awesomepic

𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚢 - Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 𝙶𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 - You can take a didi/taxi, one could probably use the subway too, I have no idea what the nearest stop is or on what line it is 🙈 𝙰𝚝𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 - The water canals in between the old Chinese style buildings are the main highlight. 𝙷𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚜 - There are hotels next to the canals that look very modern but have yet to try them. 😝 𝙵𝚘𝚘𝚍 & 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚞𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜 - Lots of food, restaurants and bars to choose from. 𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 - Lots of little shops around, I bought a whole lot of souvenirs 🥰🥰 This was such an experience, at night they have lights all along the canals, it's so so beautiful and makes me think what it would've looked like 50 years ago. There is also a lot of greenery along the walkways and canals. Really a must see😍#passionpassport #staycation #gooutside #suzhou #suzhoutravel #summervacation #china #chinalife #chinatrips #veniceofchina

A nice spot for a weekend away. Tongli is a small water town with nice cafés, handmade craft stores, restaurants and food vendors. At night the town is lit by lanterns and spotlights which make it feel very cosy and welcoming. Tongli is definitely a great spot for relaxing and taking the day slowly as it's a quaint town with temples, historic residences and cobbled lanes by the water. The food in town was generally salty and sweet and the people were very friendly. We cycled to Tongli from Shanghai but you could take the fast train, metro or taxi to get there too. There are lots of very affordable b&b options throughout the town, but you will still need to pay for entry to town at most. #watertown

Getting There - we are living in JinJi lake to take almost 2hours metro to get there by line 8and line 4 Attractions - there has very beautiful and picture views in this town! you can really put yourself in this cultural town deeply! Hotels - we were living in a hostel called Tongli defucaotang hostel! Food & Restaurants - The traditional local food 清蒸白鱼 and 爆炒river 虾 which are steamed white fish and fried river shrimp! (plus there also has espresso coffee shop and western restaurants) Shopping - There has many store for selling traditional Chinese suit and there’s no big shopping mall ! overall: it’s a really nice place to visit for 2-3days! subscribe me for more travel post!#suzhou #tongli

On this day I took quite a long trip to the ancient town of Tongli. and as usual I went there with my drone. one thing I love about Tongli is how all the buildings are very random , but at the same time uniform. the black rooftops with the white walls are also a beautiful characteristic to the ancient Chinese architecture. Tongli is actually a town that is located in Wujiang district, on the outskirts of Suzhou, Jiangsu province. It is known for a system of canals, and it is because of this reason that Suzhou is popularly known as the Venice of the east. There are also so many amazing stalls and shops that you can be able to buy some merchandise or food 🥘 #momentsmission #scenicspotguide #travelinspiration #suzhou #unforgettableexperiences #unforgettableexperiences

On this day I took a trip to the distant and ancient town of Tongli. this district is located at the far south area of Suzhou. and in this place you can see so many beautiful sights. This town is actually a really old town and one thing I appreciate about this place is that the buildings and structures still retained the old Chinese aesthetic. You haven’t experienced the real and authentic Suzhou if you haven’t visited this places. there are many different shops, restaurants and bars where you can try out the Suzhou cuisines. and the whole area has many water canals so you can have a little boat tour of the area! definitely a place I recommend #scenicspotguide #travelinspiration #unforgettableexperiences #momentsmission

Exploring the streets of Tongli Ancient Town. #suzhou #tongli #travels #china

I highly recommend Tongli whis located in Suzhou, China. It is also called the venice of China. This ancient city will take you hundred years back and the view is absolutely breath taking. I enjoyed my time being here and I will definetely come back for more. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Suzhou | Guzhen Tongka Tongli This ancient town is a national AAAAA level tourist attraction, one of the six ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River, has long been famous. Before entering the center of the scenic spot, I saw a lot of floor tiles engraved with the names of the film and television dramas at the door. I looked at the names and remembered that the Dream of Red Mansions was also used here. The most famous attractions here are Yiyuan (Retreat Garden), Ertang (Jiayintang, Chongbentang) Sanqiao (Taiping Bridge, Geely Bridge, Changqing Bridge). The retreat park is very beautiful. In the end, it is the residence of a large family. Many people take pictures inside. Jiayintang, the owner of this garden, Liu Bingnan, is the same as the famous patriotic poet Liu Yazi. Built in the early years of the Republic of China, there are four entrances, the doors and windows are well carved, and the crescent-shaped door is very distinctive. Walk around and go to Chongbentang, now it has become a wedding customs hall in Jiangnan Water Village, showing the ritual process of marriage and marriage and customs items in ancient times. After visiting one park and two churches, just stroll around the Third Bridge and see the boating. I also went to a place called "wearing the heart", which is quite suitable for taking pictures of art.

There is no free scenic spot in Tongli, the whole Tongli is a scenic spot vacation in Suzhou and Hangzhou. By the way, I went to Suzhou Tongli. I didnt expect that there is no free big scenic road in Tongli. At the beginning of the archway, all the intersections and bridges that can enter the size are wearing a uniform like a security guard, and they are not allowed to enter. It is said that if you dont enter the scenic spot, you have to buy a big ticket of 100 yuan. The whole place is the attraction... Some people did not buy the ticket and went in, saying

The ancient houses in Tongli "Retreat Garden" was built in the Qing Dynasty, with the pool as the center. The buildings in the garden are like floating water, exquisite and compact. Its layout is unique, although small, but pavilions, terraces, buildings, pavilions, corridors, squares, bridges, plaques, halls, halls, houses, and Xuan are all available, and the personality of the garden owners is also integrated. Compared with the retreat garden, it is more quiet. Jiayintang was formerly known as Liu Zhai, and the owner Liu Bingnan was a relative of the famous patriotic poet Liu Yazi.

Address: No. 1 Zhongchuan South Road, Tongli Ancient Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou Opening Hours: Daytime: 8:00 AM–5:15 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) Nighttime (late April–Oct 31): 5:00–9:00 PM (includes light show & boat rides) Tickets: Adult Combo Ticket: ¥100 (covers 8 attractions like Tuisi Garden & Chongben Hall) Discounted: ¥50 (students/seniors 60+) Free: Children under 1.4m & seniors 70+ Tip: Free entry after 5:00 PM on non-holidays (streets only; attractions require separate tickets). Combo ticket valid for 48 hours. 🌟 Highlights & Must-Dos 1. **Water Town Charm** "Seven Islands Linked by Bridges": 15 canals divide the town into 7 islets connected by 49 ancient bridges, creating the iconic "small bridges over flowing water" scenery. Punting Boat Ride: ¥150/boat (max 6 people). Glide through waterways at dusk for "Little Venice of the East" vibes. 2. **UNESCO Gardens** **Tuisi Garden**: The only Jiangnan water town garden on the World Heritage list, famed for its "floating pavilions" over ponds. Night light show *Tuisi Dreamscape* blends 3D projections with live scenes. 3. **Local Traditions** **Three Bridges Ritual**: Taiping (health), Jili (wealth), and Changqing (youth) bridges—must-cross for weddings. **Nanyuan Teahouse Pingtan**: Sip Biluochun tea with crispy *wadixu* pastries (¥30/person) while listening to Suzhou ballad singing (after 2:00 PM). 📸 **Top Attractions** | Attraction | Tips | Duration | |------------|------|----------| | Tuisi Garden | Night show! Water pavilion reflections + firefly projections (summer only) | 1hr | | Three Bridges | Best photo spot at dawn | 30min | | Chongben Hall | Exquisite brick carvings & historic wedding costumes | 40min | | Jiayin Hall | Wooden *Three Kingdoms* reliefs in "Mandarin Hat Hall" | 40min | | Tongli Wetland Park | 85% forest cover, birdwatching paradise (6 protected species) | 2hrs | 🍜 **Food Recs** - **Zhuangyuan Pork Knuckle**: Braised to perfection at Lin’s Shop (¥45) - **Wadixu Crisps**: Savory pastries at Laijun Bakery (¥2/piece) - **Gorgon Fruit Cake**: Chewy with water lily seed flavor - **Suzhou Noodles**: "Three Bridges Noodle House" for ultra-fresh shrimp roe noodles 🚗 **Transport & Stays** **Getting There**: - Metro: Suzhou Line 4 to "Tongli Station" → Transfer to Wujiang T1 to North Visitor Center - Drive: Park at "Tongli Ancient Town Parking" (¥10/hr) or "COFCO Joy City" (8-min walk) **Where to Stay**: - *In Town*: **Mingyuan Inn** (¥400–600/night) – Qing-era courtyard with carved beds - *Outskirts*: **Tongli Lake Resort** (¥800+) – Lakeside pool for families ⚠️ **Pro Tips** - Combo tickets allow **single entry per attraction**—avoid "discounted" street vendors! - Crowds peak 10:00 AM–3:00 PM; visit early or at night. - Share boats (¥20/person) at docks; avoid midday glare. - Free hand-drawn maps & souvenir stamps at visitor center (bring a notebook). 📅 **Itineraries** **1-Day Highlights**: AM: Tuisi Garden → Chongben Hall → Three Bridges → Nanyuan Teahouse PM: Boat ride → Jiayin Hall → Mingqing Street (shopping) Night: *Tuisi Dreamscape* show → Riverside B&B **2-Day Deep Dive**: Day 1: Core attractions + night tour Day 2: Wetland Park cycling (¥30/hr) → Luoxing Islet boating

the wonderful Tongli Ancient village and Tongli Wetlands. Spectacular. The hospitality is amazing

🔥 **[Ultimate Tongli Guide] Jiangnan's No.1 Water Town! 2 Days 1 Night Slow Life Guide (with Pitfall Avoidance)** --- ### **🌿 Why visit Tongli?** ✅ **Authentic Flavor**: Quieter than Wuzhen, more rustic than Zhouzhuang, the only "living ancient town" with residents! ✅ **Super Convenient Transportation**: Direct access via Suzhou Metro Line 4, 1.5 hours driving from Shanghai! ✅ **Best Value for Money**: 100 RMB ticket (includes 10 major attractions), free night tours! --- ### **📸 [Must-Visit Spots] Follow this route!** 1️⃣ **Tuisi Garden** — The most outstanding "water-adjacent garden" in Jiangnan, a mansion built by a late Qing worker returning home (Photo hotspot: waterside pavilion and nine-curve bridge) 2️⃣ **Three Bridges Scenic Area** — Lucky "Walk the Three Bridges," locals even hold weddings here! (Recommended to visit early morning, the misty boat rides are stunning) 3️⃣ **Pearl Pagoda Scenic Garden** — A hidden gem! The legendary origin of the "Pearl Pagoda," few people but exquisite scenery 4️⃣ **Nanyuan Teahouse** — A century-old teahouse, enjoy Pingtan storytelling + drink Biluochun tea (performance at 2 PM) 5️⃣ **Night Tour of Tongli** — When the red lanterns light up, the whole ancient town instantly transforms into the scene of "A Dream of Splendor"! --- ### **🍜 [Foodie Radar] Tested and No Failures!** 🔥 **Top Scholar’s Pork Knuckle** (Tongli’s No.1 dish! Recommended at "Jiutanzi Fantong," soft and not greasy) 🔥 **Sock Bottom Crisp** (1 RMB each! Look for "Lin’s Shop," the pepper and salt flavor is super fragrant) 🔥 **Euryale Seed Porridge** (One of the "Eight Water Immortals," best at early morning street stalls) 💣 **Avoid**: "Stinky Tofu" and "Internet-famous Milk Tea" inside the scenic area, mediocre taste and expensive! --- ### **🛏️ [Accommodation Guide] Sleep in the Scenery!** 🏮 **Boutique Homestays**: - Yinlu·Tongli Courtyard (Renovated Ming and Qing old house, around 300 RMB per person including breakfast) - Huajiantang·Lize Girls’ School (Republic of China style! Must take photos in the glass flower room for girls) 🚪 **Budget Option**: Choose hotels outside the ancient town, 5 minutes walk can save half your budget --- ### **💡 [Pro Tips]** ▪️ **Free Entry Tips**: Enter the ancient town before 7:30 AM or after 5:00 PM for free! ▪️ **Hidden Experience**: Rent a hand-rowed boat for 120 RMB (bargain down to 80 RMB), the boat lady will sing folk tunes! ▪️ **Outfit Suggestions**: Hanfu or modern Chinese style looks great in photos! Scenic area rents for 50 RMB/day --- **🌟 In one sentence: Tongli = lively local vibe + relaxed feeling! Perfect for those who want to escape the noise but fear boredom~**

✅Recommended Attractions • Characteristic Streets: Pingjiang Road Historic District preserves many Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, with numerous unique shops and delicious food; Shiquan Street has many celebrity former residences, bustling streets, and a strong artistic atmosphere. • Modern Leisure: Jinji Lake is an urban leisure destination that blends modernity and nature, where you can enjoy the musical fountain, shopping, and dining; the Suzhou Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, perfectly combines tradition and modernity. 🍽️🛍️Food Recommendations • Specialty Snacks: Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), Aozao noodles, Haitang cake, plum blossom cake, sweet porridge, Su-style fresh meat mooncakes, etc., can be found in Shantang Street, Pingjiang Road, and other districts. • Desserts and Tea: Su-style pastries come in many varieties, such as Dingsheng cake and mung bean cake; also, the fragrant Biluochun tea can be enjoyed in gardens or teahouses. 🏠Accommodation Options • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou, Park Hyatt Suzhou, Naked Stables Resort Suzhou, etc., with luxurious facilities and excellent service. • Comfortable: Suzhou New City Garden Licheng Huating Hotel, Suzhou Yangcheng Peninsula Indigo Hotel, etc., offering comfortable environments and great value. • Unique: Homestays near Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street, where you can experience the charm of the Jiangnan water town. 🚗🚗Travel Itinerary Planning • Classic Three-Day Tour: On the first day, visit Suzhou Museum, Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove Garden, Pingjiang Road, and Guanqian Street; on the second day, visit Xiyuan Temple, Hanshan Temple, Tiger Hill, and Qilishantang Street; on the third day, go to Shuangta Market, Shiquan Street, Jinji Lake Scenic Area, and the Gate to the East. • Family Tour Route: Suzhou Museum West Branch, Suzhou Amusement Park Forest Town, Molly Fantasy Sports Hall, Tongli Ancient Town, etc., where children can learn and enjoy the fun of playing.

The Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region preserves numerous ancient villages with rich histories, offering not only stunning scenery but also profound cultural heritage. To deeply experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns, consider planning an ancient village tour. Zhouzhuang in Suzhou is the foremost of the six famous Jiangnan ancient towns, with well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. It's best visited in the early morning to avoid crowds. Take a traditional awning boat through the waterways and savor local delicacies like Wansan pork trotters and Grandma's tea. Tongli Ancient Town is just a 20-minute drive from Zhouzhuang, with must-see attractions like Tuisi Garden and the Pearl Tower. Wuzhen in Zhejiang is divided into East Scenic Zone and West Scenic Zone, with the West Zone's night views being particularly enchanting. Stay in a local guesthouse within the scenic area to enjoy peaceful mornings without tourists. Nanxun Ancient Town is famous for its blend of Chinese and Western architecture, with Zhang Shiming's Former Residence and Little Lotus Manor as highlights. Shaoxing's Anchang Ancient Town retains an authentic water town lifestyle, known for specialties like cured sausages and soy sauce duck. Hongcun in Anhui is hailed as "a village in a Chinese painting," where the crescent-shaped pond reflecting white walls and black tiles creates a classic photo opportunity. Xidi Village is renowned for exquisite stone and brick carvings, with the well-preserved Hu Clan Ancestral Hall. Both villages are at the foot of Huangshan Mountain and can be visited together. Near Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is recommended, accessible via Metro Line 17. Must-visit spots include Fangsheng Bridge and Kezhi Garden, with affordable snacks like braised pork and rice dumplings. Fengjing Ancient Town is farther from downtown but preserves a more original water town appearance. Tips: 1. Avoid weekends and holidays if possible 2. Wear comfortable shoes as most villages have cobblestone paths 3. Some villages charge admission - check in advance 4. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather 5. Respect local customs and avoid touching ancient structures. These villages each have unique characteristics, and a 3-5 day itinerary will allow you to fully appreciate the distinctive charm of Jiangnan water towns.

📍Address: No.1 Zhongchuan South Road, Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou 🚗Transport: Suzhou Metro Line 4 "Tongli Station" → Transfer to free Autonomous Rail Transit T1 line 👍Must-visit spots: Tuisi Garden Pingtan Night Banquet | Three Bridges Sketch Competition | Nanyuan Teahouse Morning Tea 🎟️Ticket info: 💰100 RMB | Half-price after 5 PM | Free entry in Hanfu! 💗Tips: • Hidden perk: Free entry before 6 AM (staff not on duty) • Must-eat: Zhuangyuan Pork Knuckle + Gorgon Fruit Soup (40 RMB/person for full meal)

Tongli Ancient Town is worth a visit. Take the subway to Tongli Station, and then take the MRT to Tongli Ancient Town. The ticket is 100 RMB per day. There are also cute cats in the ancient town to play with you.

We stepped into slow living early by taking a boat ride first - so many photos taken! The feeling of touring the ancient town by boat with gentle breezes is simply indescribable, so incredibly relaxing~ Tongli isn't overly commercialized, with many foreign visitors, perfect for aimless wandering. We met a refined grandpa who returned to the ancient town after retirement to make traditional tea snacks; found a lovely cultural creative shop where we bought our favorite incense sticks, with the kind owner gifting us a hand-drawn map of the town; even the bamboo cup milk tea surprisingly tasted great without disappointment. These delightful little surprises during travel are experiences that commercialized scenic spots can't offer. Tongli is like a Jiangnan dream forgotten by time - with curved bridges, slanting alleys, and even the wind carries the gentleness of Wu dialect whispers. . The lattice windows of Tuisi Garden frame the four seasons, while the carved gatehouse of Imperial Censor Chen's residence still tells the legend of Fang Qing and Chen Cui'e from "The Pearl Pagoda". . Without Wuzhen's crowds, it preserves more authentic local charm.