Historical Site
Tongli Ancient Town
Suzhou, China
2-3 hours
About
Surrounded by five lakes and crisscrossed by 15 water channels, the town is linked by 49 ancient stone arch bridges and known as the Venice of the East. Its most precious treasure is Tuisi Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a rare waterside classical garden with pavilions closely built above the water surface.
The iconic Three Bridges (Taiping Bridge Jili Bridge Changqing Bridge) form a triangular layout carrying auspicious folk meanings of peace fortune and longevity. Other core attractions include Jiayin Hall, Chongben Hall, Gengle Hall and Luoxingzhou Islet. Less commercialized with more original local living atmosphere than Zhouzhuang, it features slow canal boat rides, Pingtan opera performances and lantern-lit riverside night views that fully interpret the tranquil and poetic charm of authentic Jiangnan water towns.
Travel Tips
- Reserve combo tickets one day in advance via official WeChat mini-program for 2-day repeated entry
- Take Metro Line 4 and transfer by bus to reach the scenic area entrance
- Choose public transport instead of self-driving due to limited parking in the ancient block
- Wear non-slip comfortable walking shoes for uneven blue-stone paths and bridge steps
- Shoot classic panoramic water town scenery at the Three Bridges for best photographic effects
- Take official hand-rowed wooden boat to appreciate waterfront dwellings from the water perspective
- Avoid flash photography inside Tuisi Garden and ancient mansions to protect cultural relics
- Taste local specialty braised pork knuckle and water town pastries along the old street
Facilities
ParkingRestaurantGift ShopPhotography Allowed
Admission
¥100/ adult
Child¥50
Senior¥50
Opening Hours
Mon00:00 - 23:59
Tue00:00 - 23:59
Wed00:00 - 23:59
Thu00:00 - 23:59
Fri00:00 - 23:59
Sat00:00 - 23:59
Sun00:00 - 23:59
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn for mild pleasant walking weather