Tongli Ancient Town

Tongli Ancient Town, one of the six ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River, is located in Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is famous for its well-preserved ancient water town scenery and rich history and culture. The history of Tongli can be traced back to the "Songze Culture" and "Liangzhu Culture" five or six thousand years ago. In the early Tang Dynasty, it was called "Tongli", and in the Song Dynasty, it was officially established as a town and renamed "Tongli". Ming and Qing Dynasties: Tongli gradually developed into an important town in the south of the Yangtze River. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it enjoyed economic prosperity and cultural flourishing. Modern Times: In 1992, it was listed as a provincial cultural relic protection town, and in 2000, the Retreat & Reflection Garden was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Tongli Ancient Town is divided into seven small islands by 15 small rivers, and 49 ancient bridges connect the islands into a whole, forming the typical Jiangnan water town features of "small bridges, flowing water, and houses". The ancient town preserves 38 residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and hundreds of residences of gentry and celebrities. Tongli Ancient Town is a living example of the thousand-year inheritance of the cultural landscape of the Jiangnan water town, with a profound historical and cultural heritage. Main Attractions: Retreat & Reflection Garden: A World Cultural Heritage Site, featuring the architectural style of late Qing Dynasty Jiangnan gardens, with exquisite layout and scattered arrangement. Gengle Hall: A typical private residence of a large family in the Jiangnan water town during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Three Bridges: Namely Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge, and Changqing Bridge, walking across the three bridges symbolizes peace, auspiciousness, and happiness. Jiayin Hall: Built in the early Republic of China, imitating the architectural structure of the Ming Dynasty, with many exquisite stone carvings and wood carvings. Chongben Hall: Located next to the Three Bridges, it is also the Jiangnan Water Town Wedding Customs Exhibition Hall. Songshi Wuyuan Garden: Elegant and quiet garden scenery, displaying a large number of pine screen stone paintings. Pearl Tower: The former residence of Chen Wangdao, the censor of the Ming Dynasty, a luxurious imperial censor's garden. Ticket Price: 80 yuan/person. Opening Hours: 08:00-17:15.