Just 18km from downtown Suzhou, Tongli is a perfectly preserved water town where time seems suspended. This 5A-rated national scenic area spans 0.8 square kilometers with 15 canals threading through seven islets connected by 49 bridges dating from Song to Qing dynasties. Remarkably, 78% of its architecture retains Ming-Qing characteristics, including Tuisi Garden - the only Jiangnan private garden on UNESCO's list, renowned for its innovative waterside design. What makes Tongli unique is that 60% residents still maintain traditional lifestyles, making it a living museum.
History & Culture
Tongli's history traces back to Neolithic Songze culture 6,000 years ago, officially established as a town in Song Dynasty. Legend says its original name "Futu" (Rich Land) was too ostentatious, so locals cleverly split the characters to create "Tongli". During Ming-Qing periods, its waterways attracted wealthy merchants and retired officials, leaving behind 40+ mansions that showcase a unique scholar-merchant culture. The horizontally-designed Tuisi Garden, built in 1885 by dismissed official Ren Lansheng, reflects his penitent mood through architectural symbolism. The centuries-old "Bridge-Walking" wedding custom at Three Bridges area continues today, with each worn groove on the stones telling generations' stories.
Key Attractions
- Tuisi Garden - This 1.6-acre UNESCO site arranges pavilions along seasonal axes. The "Boat Hall" appears forever moored in some Guangxu-era afternoon, while 200+ carved windows whisper the owner's philosophy of humility.
- Three Bridges - Taiping, Jili and Changqing bridges form a triangle over canals. Their "Five Blessings" reliefs have been polished smooth by countless praying hands, still central to local wedding rituals.
- Pearl Tower Garden - Recreated Ming official's mansion hides 12 auspicious motifs in its rockeries. Every Saturday afternoon, Pingtan opera revives the love story from Qing dynasty ballad that inspired this site.
- Luoxing Islet - A five-minute ferry ride leads to this Buddhist sanctuary where an 800kg Ming bell's chime across the lake seems to ripple through time itself.
Culinary Delights
- Zhuangyuan Ti - Soy-braised pork knuckle so tender the marrow can be sipped through a straw, named after a Ming scholar's inspiring story
- Min Cake - Mugwort-glutinous rice dumplings stuffed with sweet bean paste, pounded in stone mortars following intangible cultural heritage techniques
- Three Whites Banquet - Seasonal Taihu Lake delicacies (white fish, shrimp and silver fish), most flavorful when shrimp carry eggs in April
- Foxnut Soup - Dessert made with "water immortals" seeds, lotus root powder and osmanthus, once served to Emperor Qianlong
Travel Guide
- Tickets: Combo pass ¥100 (10 sites/2 days), Night ticket ¥50 (after 17:00)
- Itinerary: Morning at Tuisi Garden → Sketch Three Bridges → Pearl Tower Pingtan → Boat to Luoxing Islet → Night light show
- Transport: Suzhou Metro Line 4 → Bus 725 from Tongli Station/HSR from Shanghai Hongqiao to Suzhou Station then shuttle
Pro Tips
- Enter before 7:00 AM for free when mist transforms Three Bridges into ink-wash painting
- Share gondolas (¥60/boat for 6 people) - best reflections captured around 4 PM
- Golden photo spots: Tuisi Garden pavilions, Three Bridges at dawn, Luoxing sunset
- Wear anti-slip shoes on wet flagstones; bring mosquito repellent in summer
- Authentic Min Cakes are best purchased at century-old shops near Nanyuan Teahouse