Dragon Boat Festival｜Ancient Towns of Suzhou

A two-day, one-night road trip from Hangzhou to Lili, Tongli, Zhouzhuang, and Yuehe Ancient Towns. Many say ancient town tickets aren't worth it, so this itinerary focuses on free admission options. 🚗｜Itinerary Day1 Depart from Hangzhou, arrive at Lili Ancient Town by noon—free entry with no parking fees. Head to Tongli Ancient Town at 5 PM (free admission after this time) and stay overnight in Tongli. Day2 Check out at 6 AM for Zhouzhuang (actually, you can leave a bit later—free before 8 AM). Return trip starts at noon, with a stop at Jiaxing's Yuehe Historical and Cultural Block around 3 PM before continuing back to Hangzhou. 📍｜Lili Exceeded expectations—few tourists and minimal commercialization, preserving the town's laid-back charm. Boat rides cost 120 yuan (cheapest among these towns). Must-tries: Youtunzi (fried dough balls), chicken feet (sweet, so sample first), and Granny's Tofu Pudding (delicious 😋). 📍｜Tongli A vast ancient town. Arrived at night, so focused on the stunning blue-hour scenery and photogenic night views. Boat rides cost 180 yuan (~25 mins), with many waterside restaurants for dining with a view. Only tried noodles here—no strong recommendations. 📍｜Zhouzhuang A 5A-rated scenic area with the best environment, but rain kept crowds sparse. Compact layout—easy to explore quickly. Skipped the boat due to rain; commercialization felt generic. Highlights: Zhang Hall and Shen Hall (free entry!!!). Breakfast options: pan-fried buns and wontons. Passed on the ubiquitous "Wanshi Trotters." 📍｜Yuehe Part of Jiaxing—more like a commercial street than a traditional ancient town. Features opera performances and even a flower-and-bird market. Worth revisiting. Food highlight: Zhenzhenlaolao's freshly boiled zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)—absolutely delicious!