Strolling through this vibrant waterside village inhabited by local families, exploring the beautifully maintained ancient Tuisi Garden, and enjoying a serene boat journey across canals and under bridges.
Strolling through this vibrant waterside village inhabited by local families, exploring the beautifully maintained ancient Tuisi Garden, and enjoying a serene boat journey across canals and under bridges.
Tongli is a historic town situated near Suzhou, approximately a 90-minute drive from Shanghai. This town, over a thousand years old, has recently been transformed into a tourist destination. It is renowned for its stone bridges and well-preserved ancient architecture, including private gardens, temples, and houses. The town is interwoven with 15 small…
Tongli is a historic town situated near Suzhou, approximately a 90-minute drive from Shanghai. This town, over a thousand years old, has recently been transformed into a tourist destination. It is renowned for its stone bridges and well-preserved ancient architecture, including private gardens, temples, and houses. The town is interwoven with 15 small river lanes, spanned by around 49 stone bridges of various styles. These bridges are significant to the town’s identity. Among them, the most famous are the three bridges named Taiping (peace), Jili (luck), and Changqing (celebration), which are considered important landmarks and sacred structures by the locals. During significant events, such as weddings, people enjoy walking across these three bridges, believed to bring peace, fortune, and happiness. The town is adorned with buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties along the rivers. The traditional gardens are a must-see, with the Tuisi Garden being a prime example. Constructed between 1885 and 1887 by an imperial official, the garden features pavilions, terraces, halls, rockeries, ponds, and other elements harmoniously integrated.
After a 1.5-hour drive, visitors can stroll along Tongli’s old streets and local community, where many local families still reside. A visit to a well-preserved private garden from the Ming Dynasty offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of the ancient elite. A relaxing boat ride around the town may be the highlight of the tour, providing different perspectives of Tongli.
Visitors can also practice their bargaining skills in local shops.
Points of Interest
- Shanghai Driver Tom’s Tour
- English speaking local guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Boat ride
- English speaking local guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Boat ride
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is casual with comfortable walking shoes
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is casual with comfortable walking shoes
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
