24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
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24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Tongli Water Town
Brief Introduction of Tongli
Tongli in Jiangsu Province is one of the many ancient water towns in the south of the Yangtze River Delta, which are famous for their rivers, ancient bridges and house complexes. Tongli occupies an area of 51 square miles (133 square kilometers) with a population of 55,000. The city is separated by 15 rivers into seven islets, which are connected through 49 ancient bridges.The most famous bridges among the 49 bridges in Tongli are the three bridges called Taiping (peace), Jili (luck) and Changqing (celebration) bridges, which has been important landmarks of the place and regarded as the sacred architecture by the locals. Tongli is located a short drive from Suzhou and about an hour drive outside of Shanghai.
History of Tongli
Tongli, established in the Song Dynasty, has a history of over 1,000 years. It is very rich in cultural heritage. Traditional residences including gardens, houses and temples, built in the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, are the highlight of the city. Jiayin Hall built in 1922 is known for its fine carvings on the structure. Congben Hall built in 1911 is also known for its carvings on the structure. There are more than one hundred of well-preserved woodcarvings of traditional figures from Chinese classics. In 2004, Tongli together with Zhouzhuang and Luzhi were listed in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With the rapid modernization of China, large number of historical towns disappeared under the bulldozers, with only a handful of well-preserved historical townships remaining today.
What to see
Residential House: Tongli Water Town deserves its name of a “museum of ancient architectures” as there are many homes and temples dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Designed along the riverside and embellished with carved windows, porcelain furniture, figured clay bricks, flying eaves, dapper gardens and tiny stairs leading all the way down to the water, these complexes named Tongli Water Town could be a shining pearl among the water townships south of Yangtze.
Retreat and Reflection (Tuisi) Garden: designed by the retired official Ren Lansheng throughout 1885 and 1887, is that the most spectacular in Tongli Water Town. Its name, Tuisi, suggests being meditative upon the previous faults when away from officialdom. The ingenious style for Tuisi Garden conforms to the native landforms and conditions and covers 700 square meters. Compact and harmonious, the garden is made from two parts. The garden within the east has verandas, ponds, waterside pavilions, Marble Boats, halls, kiosks, rockeries and bridges. In conjunction with flourishing trees and colorful flowers the garden greets guests with its beauty and charm regardless of the season. The residential area to the west consists of an outer house and inner house together with the tea hall, the sedan hall, 2 buildings forming the particular dwelling and a main reception hall.
Ancient Bridge: Taiping Bridge was built in 1747 during the Qing dynasty. Changqing Bridge, also named Guangli Bridge, was rebuilt by Xiezhen in the Ming dynasty. Siben Bridge, built in the Southern Song dynasty, is the oldest bridge in Tongli town. Dubu Bridge, 5 feet in length and 3 feet in width, is the smallest bridge in the town.As a character of Tongli, these ancient bridges today is reputed as the witness of the history, telling the story of the past.
Transportation
You may follow the routes to get to Tongli from the neighboring provinces and cities.
Tongli is located in the east of ancient canal on the shore of Taihu Lake, 18 km away from Suzhou city. 100 km away from Shanghai.
Information
Admission Fee: CNY100, free for child under 1.2Meters. Night tour: CNY50(include the Tuisi Garden only)
Opening Time: 07:30am - 09:00pm
Night tour: 06:30pm - 09:00pm(Friday-Sunday)
Duration：10+ Hours
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Tour Style：A Shanghai to Suzhou day trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, all within easy reach of Shanghai. Begin your journey with a visit to the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscaping and tranquil atmosphere. Next, explore the iconic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate that provides a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and impressive architecture. Continue to the peaceful Hanshan Temple, famous for its ancient bell chimes and historical significance. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a charming waterway street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and teahouses. This day trip promises a wonderful exploration of Suzhou’s most famous landmarks.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on the ultimate Suzhou day trip, where you’ll explore the city's most famous landmarks with convenient hotel or train station pickup. Begin your journey at the tranquil Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its classical landscaping and serene beauty. Next, visit Tiger Hill, home to the iconic Yunyan Pagoda and steeped in historical significance. Continue to Hanshan Temple, known for its peaceful atmosphere and ancient bell chimes. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a picturesque waterway lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and local shops. This Suzhou day trip offers an immersive experience of the city’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Experience the best of Suzhou with our Suzhou 1 day tour, designed to showcase the city’s most iconic sights. Begin your adventure at the stunning Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscape design. Continue to Hanshan Temple, a peaceful retreat famous for its ancient bell chimes. Visit the historic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate offering a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and architecture. End your day with a leisurely stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and vibrant local life. This Suzhou 1 day tour offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and beauty, with convenient pickup from your Suzhou hotel or train station.
Duration：10+ hours
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Tour Style：Embark on a Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai and discover the charm of Suzhou’s classical gardens and ancient water towns. Begin your journey at The Master of Nets Garden, a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping known for its elegant pavilions and tranquil ambiance. Stroll along Pingjiang Road, a historic canal-side street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and boutique shops. Then, travel to Zhouzhuang Water Town, one of China’s most picturesque water towns, where stone bridges, ancient alleys, and serene canals create a timeless atmosphere. This Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai offers a seamless and immersive experience, with private car transport ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.
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