Ultimate Guide to Tongli Ancient Town｜A Poetic Water Town in Jiangnan, How to Avoid the Crowds

Once known as "Futu," this thousand-year-old Jiangnan water town, now called Tongli, embodies the poetic charm of "small bridges, flowing water, and homes." More tranquil than Zhouzhuang and more rustic than Wuzhen, this guide will help you discover the best way to explore Tongli. 📍Location & Transportation - Coordinates: Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, about 40 km from downtown Suzhou - From Shanghai: Take a high-speed train to Suzhou Station → Transfer to Metro Line 4 to Tongli Station → Take Bus 725 to the ancient town entrance (total ~1.5 hours) - From Suzhou: Metro Line 4 directly to Tongli Station → Transfer to Bus 725 (~1 hour from downtown) - By car: Navigate to "Tongli Ancient Town Parking Lot," parking fee ~¥10/day, 5-minute walk to the entrance 🎫Ticket & Opening Hours - Ticket: ¥100/person (includes 10 attractions like Tuisi Garden and Jiayin Hall, valid for 2 days—keep your ticket!) - Opening hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM (the town area is open all day, but attractions close at 5:30 PM) - Money-saving tip: Enter through the "Residents' Passage" at the town entrance for free access to the streets (no paid attractions), perfect for foodies! 🏞Must-Visit Spots (With Hidden Gems) 1. Tuisi Garden (🌟The only UNESCO-listed garden in Jiangnan) - Highlights: A masterpiece of Qing Dynasty gardens, designed "floating on water," with stunning views at every step—especially enchanting in the rain. - Hidden gem: The "Naohong Yige" boat hall is perfect for vintage photos, with magical lighting at 3 PM. 2. Three Bridges Area (Taiping Bridge + Jili Bridge + Changqing Bridge) - A "lucky route" locals walk during weddings. Capture the classic Jiangnan scenery of white walls, black tiles, and boats gliding by. 3. Jiayin Hall - Home to the "No. 1 Brick Carving in Jiangnan" in this Ming-Qing mansion. Don’t miss the intricate carvings of deer, cranes, and bats symbolizing fortune and longevity. 4. Luoxing Islet - A "mini Penglai" in the lake, reachable by a 5-minute ferry (included in ticket). Visit the Guanyin Temple and enjoy breathtaking sunsets. 5. Ming-Qing Street - The main food and shopping hub! Try freshly baked "Wadixu" pastries, osmanthus-flavored qianshi cakes, and "Three Delicacy Dumplings" by the river at dusk, accompanied by local boat songs. 🍲Tongli’s Must-Try Foods (Local Picks) - Must-eats: - Zhuangyuan Pork Knuckle: Tender and flavorful, best paired with ginger-vinegar sauce. Try it at "Old Street Restaurant" outside the town. - Qianshi Porridge: Sweet and warming, made with fresh gorgon fruit and lotus root starch (¥5 at breakfast stalls). - Malt Pancakes: A spring specialty, chewy with a hint of sweetness, made with mugwort and glutinous rice. - Avoid: Overpriced "trendy milk tea" in the scenic area. Buy souvenirs at supermarkets outside the town for half the price. 🏨Where to Stay? - For immersion: Choose riverside B&Bs near Tuisi Garden, like "Tongli Lake Resort," with serene morning views and sounds of oars. - Budget-friendly: Hotels on West Huanhu Road outside the town (e.g., Vienna Hotel), ¥150–200/night, 5-minute taxi to the entrance. - Avoid: Lodging on the main street—noisy until 10 PM due to tourist crowds. 📅Itinerary Options - One-day trip: Morning: Tuisi Garden → Jiayin Hall → Three Bridges photos Noon: Lunch on Ming-Qing Street Afternoon: Luoxing Islet blessings → Boat ride (¥60/boat, fits 6) - Two-day trip: Day 1: Paid attractions + night stroll (gorgeous lights, fewer crowds) Day 2: Morning at "Gengle Hall" (quiet ancient house), afternoon cycling at "Tongli Wetland Park" for slow Jiangnan vibes. 💡Pro Tips - Wear comfy flats! Cobblestone streets are uneven—heels will hurt. - Best seasons: March–April for rapeseed flowers, October–November for crisp autumn air. Avoid rainy June–July. - Photo outfits: Plain qipaos, linen dresses, and woven bamboo bags for insta-worthy shots. Tongli’s beauty lies in its morning mist, evening chimneys, and the serenity of "boats gliding on water, people sitting in paintings." Don’t rush—take your time to savor Jiangnan’s gentle charm.