Located in Suzhou’s Wujiang, the water town of Tongli Ancient Town is surrounded by lakes and divided into seven islands by a network of rivers. Almost every household in the ancient town is adjacent to the water, with many narrow alleys and old buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. During the day, there are not many tourists, giving a sense of tranquility and peace. At night, the lights along the eaves create a beautiful and spectacular scene.
The tourist area of Tongli Ancient Town is not very large, and it is usually visited on foot. Additionally, one can opt for a rickshaw tour for a fee. The entrance to the ancient town is on the south side of the scenic area, and upon entering, one can see the landscapes of small bridges and flowing water everywhere. The unique and historically significant Sanqiao, with their various shapes, are located in the central area of the ancient town. There are exquisite and small gardens, former residences of celebrities, and characteristic exhibition halls, all of which can be visited on foot within the ancient town.
Luoxingzhou is a small island on the lake to the east of the ancient town, where one can burn incense and worship Buddha. It requires a 20-minute walk from the ancient town to the dock to take a boat there. When visiting Tongli, it is a must to try the local snacks. The Ming and Qing streets and Zhuxing streets on both sides of the entrance gate are areas where snacks are densely packed in the ancient town. Tongli’s various pastries are distinctive, with袜底酥、芡实糕、麦芽塌饼 being very famous. The Jiangnan specialty osmanthus dumplings and the scholar’s trotters can also satisfy one’s taste buds. One can stroll along these two streets, enjoying the delicious food.
Apart from snacks, there are many artistic and bohemian places in the scenic area, mostly concentrated on the south side of the ancient town. Nan Yuan Tea House is a representative of these places. Sitting on the second floor and enjoying a cup of tea, occasionally accompanied by storytelling performances, is a very pleasant experience that should not be missed.
If planning to stay for two days, one can spend a night in the ancient town. There are many homestays and inns in the town. However, although the accommodation within the ancient town has its own characteristics, the conditions and facilities are not as good as those of hotels outside. On the east side of the ancient town, near Huanhu West Road, there are express hotels and guesthouses available for selection.
Blood donors in Wujiang District who have won the National Voluntary Blood Donation Award and the ‘Voluntary Blood Donation Love Card’ for those who have donated hematopoietic stem cells without compensation are entitled to free entry. Individuals who have acted bravely without compensation: holders of the ‘Jiangsu Province Bravery Certificate’ issued by the Jiangsu Province Bravery Reward and Protection Committee Office, are also granted free admission.
环卫工人荣誉证书 holders: Residents of Suzhou city with a sanitation worker honor certificate can enter the park for free after binding their ID cards at the ticket halls.苏州市医务人员: On China’s Physician Day (August 19th) and International Nurses Day (May 12th), medical staff in Suzhou city are given free tickets for a week following these dates (August 19th to August 25th, May 12th to May 18th). Free preferential treatment card holders: Veterans and families of martyrs, military personnel who died in the line of duty, or those who passed away due to illness, can enter for free with valid identification. Supplementary notes: 1. For all age-related document checks, the actual age in full years, months, and days is required. 2. Special individuals enjoying free or discounted tickets must present valid documents when entering the scenic spot. The above information is for reference only; specifics are subject to the public notice at the scenic area. Service facilities: Parking lot: [Zhenbei Parking Lot] Reference price: ¥10 per entry; Address: Left side of the entrance to Chongben Road in the ancient town; Spaces: 320. WIFI: Account: Tongli; Password: No password required; Coverage: Scenic area visitor service center. Mobile phone charging: The scenic area provides power bank services at the visitor service center and ticket office, free for the first half hour, then ¥1 per hour. Luggage storage: Reference price: Free with admission ticket; Address: Visitor center. Scenic spot explanation: The scenic area offers guided tour services. The ticket center/visitor service center provides human-guided tour services. Cost: 1.5 hours for 3 spots at ¥120 (Chinese) / ¥160 (English). Scenic spots offer QR code explanation services. Cost: Free. Stroller rental: Reference price: Free rental with admission ticket; Address: Visitor center. Restrooms: Tongli Ancient Town has multiple restrooms located at each small scenic spot with clear signs. Nursing rooms: Address: Nursing rooms are located on Xiaochuan Road. Dining: Tongli Ancient Town has multiple restaurants distributed near the scenic area with clear signs. Alipay/WeChat Pay is accepted. Vending machines: Tongli Ancient Town has multiple vending machines distributed near Tuisi Square. Alipay/WeChat Pay is not accepted. Convenience stores: Tongli Ancient Town has a convenience store near Tuisi Square where Alipay/WeChat Pay is accepted.
