Tongli Ancient Town (同里古镇), nestled in the heart of the Jiangnan water region in Wujiang, Suzhou, is a picturesque town surrounded by interconnected lakes and crisscrossed by meandering rivers, dividing the town into seven islands. Almost every household in this ancient town is nestled along the water’s edge, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere with narrow alleys and well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Unlike other bustling tourist destinations, Tongli exudes a serene ambiance with fewer visitors on regular days. However, when night falls, the town transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle with the glow of lanterns illuminating the eaves, creating a charming and enchanting atmosphere.
The ancient town’s exploration area is relatively small, making it ideal for leisurely walks through its cobblestone streets. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a paid ride on a human-powered tricycle to explore the town’s charm at a more relaxed pace.
Tongli’s rich history can be traced back to the “Songze Culture” and “Liangzhu Culture,” dating back to five to six thousand years ago. Even in the Neolithic era, early settlers engaged in agriculture and thrived in this region. The favorable natural conditions led to Tongli being initially named “Futu,” signifying its richness. By the time of the Han and Tang dynasties, it had already evolved into a bustling market town and later became an established town during the Song Dynasty.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Map of Tongli Ancient Town
- HIghlights of Tongli Town
- Vlog about Tongli Ancient Town
- A Brief History of Tongli Ancient Town
- Useful Information Summarized from Reviews
- Other Ancient Towns in Suzhou
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.tongli.net/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 – 4 hours |
| Ticket Price | The town is free, but there are charges at different attractions. The combined ticket that grant you access to all of them costs 100 RMB. |
| Opening Hours | Most attractions operate from 8.00 to 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0512-63311140 0086-0512-63333120 |
Location and Transportation
Tongli Ancient Town is situated in the Jiangsu Province of China, approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) away from Suzhou’s city center. The town is strategically located on the eastern shore of Taihu Lake, one of China’s largest freshwater lakes.
There are numerous coaches from Suzhou to Tongli Ancient Town. You can easily find them at other attractions or the bus station. If you travel from Shanghai, the most convenient way to get to the town is to first take a high-speed train to Suzhou and then transfer to a coach at the railway station. Although there are express coaches from Shanghai to the town, they generally take much longer time.
Map of Tongli Ancient Town
HIghlights of Tongli Town
Traditional Architecture
Tongli Ancient Town boasts a plethora of ancient buildings, including the Chen Qubing’s former residence dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 1364 square meters, it features a half-pavilion, family shrine relics, and notable structures like the Hundred-Foot Tower and Haoge Hall. The Haoge Hall served as a place for social gatherings, while the Hundred-Foot Tower was used for book storage and writing. Another notable structure is the Chongben Hall, located on Changqing Bridge in Fuguan Street, facing south and built by Qian Youqin in 1912 by renovating parts of the old Gu’s “West Mansion.” Though not large, it is compact and exquisite in its architectural design.
Three Bridges
Among Tongli’s numerous bridges, three stand out within a short distance of 50 meters. These are the Taiping Bridge spanning East Liu and Qizi, Changqing Bridge, commonly known as Xie Family Bridge, spanning East Liu and Aiwei, and Jili Bridge spanning Qizi and Aiwei, located between Taiping and Changqing Bridges. Folk customs in Tongli include the tradition of walking across these three bridges, a ritual believed to bring good luck, fertility, and protection from disasters.
Tuisi Garden
Constructed from the 11th to 13th year of the Guangxu era in the Qing Dynasty (1885-1887), Tuisi Garden is a masterpiece with pavilions, towers, terraces, corridors, archways, bridges, pavilions, halls, rooms, and verandas surrounding a central pond. The main residence consists of two buildings, north and south, serving as the living quarters for the garden’s owner and family. Connecting the two buildings is the “Zouma Tower” corridor, which has side staircases to accommodate the movement of servants during inclement weather. The stone gate on both sides of the residence is built with clearwater bricks to prevent fire and theft.
Ancient Cultural Relics
Tongli Ancient Town is a treasure trove of ancient cultural relics that bear witness to its rich history and cultural significance. Among the relics are elegant temples, ancestral halls, and ornate memorial archways, showcasing the town’s deep-rooted traditions and religious practices. Visitors can explore the exquisite craftsmanship of centuries-old wood and stone carvings, intricate paintings, and calligraphy preserved within these historic structures. Each relic holds stories of bygone eras, dynasties, and influential figures who shaped the town’s identity. These precious remnants offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and artistic achievements of the past, making Tongli an invaluable repository of China’s cultural heritage.
Traditional Arts and Crafts
Tongli Ancient Town is a haven for traditional arts and crafts, where time-honored skills are passed down through generations. Skilled artisans continue to create exquisite silk embroidery, a delicate art form admired for its intricate designs and vibrant colors. The town is renowned for its intricate woodcarvings, featuring ornate patterns adorning temples and historic buildings. Clay figurine making is another treasured craft, with artisans sculpting intricate figurines depicting ancient characters and mythical creatures. Visitors can witness these master craftsmen at work, appreciate their dedication to preserving these ancient arts, and even bring home unique handcrafted souvenirs that encapsulate the rich cultural heritage of Tongli.
Delicious Local Snacks
No visit to Tongli is complete without indulging in its local delicacies. Mingqing Street and Zhuhang Street, flanking the entrance gates, are densely packed with snack stalls. Tongli’s distinctive pastries, such as Wosu Su (sock-bottom crisp), Qianshi Gao (lotus seed cake), and Mayata Bing (malt pancake), are renowned. Additionally, traditional Jiangnan treats like Guihua Xiaoyuanzi (osmanthus small round cake) and Zhuangyuan Ti (scholar’s hoof) tantalize the taste buds. Wandering along these two streets provides a delightful culinary journey, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Tongli’s delectable offerings.
Vlog about Tongli Ancient Town
A Brief History of Tongli Ancient Town
Tongli Ancient Town’s history dates back to over 5,000 years ago, during the “Songze Culture” and “Liangzhu Culture” periods. Early inhabitants practiced slash-and-burn agriculture, laying the foundation for the town’s development. The area’s favorable natural conditions made it one of the wealthiest places in Wu, originally named “Futu.”
By the pre-Qin period, it had become a market town under the jurisdiction of Kuaiji Commandery, Wu County. The Tang and Song dynasties saw it flourish, with its name changed to “Tongli” during the early Tang period due to the original name’s extravagant connotations. It remained a small village, part of Jiuli Village. In 909 AD, during the Liang Dynasty, Wu Yue King Qian Liu established Wu County and Jiaxing, making Tongli part of Wujiang County’s Ganhua Township.
During the Song Dynasty, the town grew and became officially recognized, with the old name “Futu” being transformed into “Tongli” by modifying the characters. In the Yuan and Ming periods, Tongli shifted southward, and the town’s layout evolved with three rivers forming a “川” (river) shape, earning the nickname “Tongchuan.” By the Yuan Dynasty, it had become an established market, known as “Tuncheng,” and was thriving by the early Tang period. During the Song Jianyan era, there were over a thousand households living here.
The Qing Dynasty saw further expansion, with a reorganization of administrative areas, and the addition of a new market district called “Xintian Di” in the town. In the 20th century, during the Republic of China, the town set up a municipal office in 1912, and by the 1980s, it had embraced tourism, with local residents starting to run guesthouses. By 1999, the town had a booming tourism industry, and by 2006, Tongli had established over 20 traditional guesthouses, marking its modern transformation.
Useful Information Summarized from Reviews
Optimal Visit Time: The daytime scenery in Tongli Ancient Town is recommended over the nighttime experience. It’s suggested to plan your visit during the day to fully appreciate the charm of the town.
Interesting Activities: Tongli Ancient Town offers a variety of interesting activities, including traditional Chinese opera performances in the gardens and water-themed traditional weddings. These activities provide a glimpse into the town’s vibrant traditional culture.
Free Admission Timing: Entrance to Tongli Ancient Town is free before 8:00 AM and after 5:00 PM. However, it’s important to note that some of the paid attractions within the town close around 17:15.
Boat Ride Information: Boat rides in Tongli Ancient Town are priced at 120 yuan per boat, with each boat accommodating up to 6 people. The boat ride takes approximately 20 minutes, allowing you to explore the scenic waterways of the town.
Notable Teahouse – Nanyuan Tea House: Nanyuan Tea House (南园茶社) is a well-known establishment in Tongli. It’s famous for its traditional Chinese tea culture. In the morning (8:30 AM to 11:30 AM), they serve breakfast, and in the afternoon (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM), you can enjoy tea while listening to Pingtan, a traditional Chinese storytelling and ballad art form.
The level of commercialization in Tongli Ancient Town is relatively low. I spent half a day enjoying the quaint gardens and the waters of the Jiangnan region, and the other half experiencing the atmosphere of a teahouse and listening to Suzhou Pingtan. It was a very pleasant experience.
Don’t bother with Pingjiang Road, just go to Tongli Ancient Town instead. They all look similar and are heavily commercialized, but the prices in Tongli are much lower. That’s not the main point; the important thing is to arrive after 5 PM. There’s no entrance fee and no parking fee. Use the navigation to find the underground parking lot at the South Gate, where there are plenty of free parking spaces. The best part is that there aren’t many people… Read more »