Name: Tongli

Chinese name:

Province: Jiangsu

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 33,000 inhabitants

Area: 63 km²

Tongli is a traditional village located 25 km from Suzhou in Jiangsu province. This water village is crossed by numerous canals lined with paved alleys and ancient residences. Less crowded than Suzhou, tranquility still reigns here to the delight of travelers.

History

Tongli is a city steeped in cultural heritage. In ancient times, the city was home to poets, painters, Confucian scholars and high-ranking government officials.

In 1981, Tongli was designated one of thirteen tourist cities in the Lake Taihu region.

In 1982, it was listed among the provincial cities to be preserved for their cultural significance in Jiangsu province.

Today

Located near Lake Tai and the Grand Canal, Tongli is the perfect stopover from Suzhou or Shanghai. Its ancient houses with tiled roofs, its canals spanned by stone bridges and its narrow alleys invite you to stroll.

Tongli is a relatively popular destination for tourists traveling to Shanghai or through Jiangsu, but it is quite easy to find quiet corners away from the crowds. Around any corner, find yourself alone in the calm and light, relaxed atmosphere of its alleyways and take the opportunity to discover the architecture of whitewashed houses.

Relax in one of the teahouses along a canal, sheltered from the sun beneath willows, and watch life unfold at its own gentle pace.

As you cross the various bridges spanning the waterways, you can observe unique scenes and enjoy views of its houses and small local artisans who strive to perpetuate their activities as if frozen in time. There are 55 bridges, but three deserve special attention: the Taiping bridges (bridge of peace and tranquility), Jili (bridge of good fortune) and Changqing (bridge of perpetual celebration). These famous bridges are often crossed during weddings, births or anniversaries. Locals like to think they represent a blessing and will bring good luck.

During your visit, be sure to stop at the few temples, pagodas and pavilions dating from the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, such as the lovely Pearl Pagoda.

A complete visit to Tongli would not be possible without stepping into the Tuisi Garden, composed of pavilions, sculpted rocks and a pond. This garden was inscribed in 2001 on the UNESCO World Heritage List alongside the other classical gardens of Suzhou.

Finally, if you have a bit of time, don't miss the Museum of Chinese Sexual Culture.

Tongli is accessible from Suzhou and Shanghai by bus. Plan on 30 minutes from Suzhou and 2 hours from Shanghai.

A small train departs from Suzhou to Tongli daily.

Tongli is best explored on foot through the alleys. Boats allow you to drift peacefully along the canals.

Admission fees

Expect 100 RMB per person to visit Tongli. The ticket includes the main attractions.

For a boat ride, the price is 90 RMB.