
Retreat & Reflection Garden Tongli
A serene water town near Suzhou, known for its ancient bridges, preserved architecture, and authentic local life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, authentic local life

Retreat & Reflection Garden Tongli
Best Time
Peaceful, authentic local life

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene water town near Suzhou, known for its ancient bridges, preserved architecture, and authentic local life.
"It is very quiet and peaceful after 8pm and before 9am. Nice to watch the locals’ way of life by the river. "

🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Tongli is compact and perfect for leisurely walking. Wear comfortable shoes!
🚤 Don't Miss the Boat Ride
A 25-min boat ride offers a unique perspective and is highly recommended.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Bridges
Throughout the town
Marvel at the stunning stone masonry of numerous bridges connecting the water town's sides.

Local Life by the River
Canalside
Observe the serene daily routines of residents, offering a peaceful and authentic glimpse into water town living.

Retained Original Structures
Various historical buildings
Explore well-preserved ancient structures and gardens that showcase the town's historical architecture.

Leisurely Boat Ride
Canals
Enjoy a relaxing 25-minute boat tour for a unique perspective of the town's charm and beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Authenticity
Ticket Strategy for Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Tongli and/or Zhouzhuang?
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Tongli is compact and perfect for leisurely walking. Wear comfortable shoes!
🚤 Don't Miss the Boat Ride
A 25-min boat ride offers a unique perspective and is highly recommended.
Tongli Town Day Tour
Suzhou and/or Tongli from Shanghai
⏰ Visit Off-Peak Hours
For tranquility, go before 9 AM or after 8 PM.
💰 Ticket Value
The RMB 100 ticket covers multiple attractions. Consider timing your visit if not entering sites.
Tongli or Wuzhen? Which one?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Tongli is compact and perfect for leisurely walking. Wear comfortable shoes!
🚤 Don't Miss the Boat Ride
A 25-min boat ride offers a unique perspective and is highly recommended.
⏰ Visit Off-Peak Hours
For tranquility, go before 9 AM or after 8 PM.
💰 Ticket Value
The RMB 100 ticket covers multiple attractions. Consider timing your visit if not entering sites.
☕ Quaint Coffee Shops
Discover charming coffee shops scattered around the town for a relaxing break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tongli is praised for its authentic charm, peaceful atmosphere, and well-preserved ancient architecture, especially when visited during off-peak hours. While some find the entrance fee and cafe prices a bit high, the overall experience of observing local life and enjoying the scenic waterways is highly valued by visitors seeking a tranquil water town escape.
"An old water town with many residents. It is very quiet and peaceful after 8pm and before 9am. Nice to watch the locals’ way of life by the river.
Ticket price is RMB100 if you were to enter between 8am and 5.15pm. The ticket allows for visits to several attractions in Tongli. Take a train via Line 4 to Tongli MRT and exit via 9 and 10 to catch a free tram to this water town. Tram operates from 7am to 7.15pm. Takes approximately 15min to reach the Tongli Ancient Town North Entrance.
We stayed in the water town for 4 nights. Though it takes approx 1hr train ride to town, we love the slow pace here. The water town preserves its original building structure and hence the accommodations may be old. There are many accommodations within walking distance of the water town which have better facilities."
Rise&Shine
"We came here around 6pm, no one asked for the tickets. Good place to spend some time. Many ancient structures are present here. Ladies are wearing ancient dress and make up and doing photography adding some ancient vibes. KFC and McDonald is also there."
Dr. Sourav Mandal
"Extraordinary location near Suzhou.
The town is very alive, with many stalls, markets and shops ensuring a vibrant environment.
The many bridges connecting the sides of the town are stunning works of fine stone masonry.
One could only imagine how it would have been in the 19th century.
Truly deserving of the title, “Venice of the East”."
Enver C.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take Metro Line 4 to Tongli Station. Exit via Gate 9 or 10 and catch the free tram to the Tongli Ancient Town North Entrance. The tram runs from 7 AM to 7:15 PM and takes about 15 minutes.
Yes, Tongli is a popular day trip from Shanghai. You can take a train and then connect to local transport. Allocate a full day for a leisurely exploration.
The free tram to Tongli Ancient Town operates daily from 7 AM to 7:15 PM.
While driving is possible, parking can be challenging. Public transport via the metro is often more convenient and recommended.
No, it's recommended to take the free tram from Tongli MRT station to reach the ancient town entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard ticket price is RMB 100 per person, which includes access to several attractions within the town.
Yes, seniors and children below 1.4 meters in height often receive free entry. It's advisable to check the latest policies at the tourist center.
The RMB 100 ticket typically grants access to various historical buildings, gardens, and museums within the Tongli Ancient Town.
While some visitors report entering without tickets after certain hours (e.g., 6 PM), it's generally recommended to purchase a ticket for full access to attractions.
The town is generally accessible, but ticketed attractions usually operate between 8 AM and 5:15 PM. The town itself can be enjoyed outside these hours for a quieter experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the ancient bridges, the chance to observe local life by the canals, explore preserved historical buildings, and take a relaxing boat ride.
Tongli can be lively during the day, but it's generally less crowded than some other famous water towns. Visiting early morning or late evening offers a much more serene experience.
Yes, a 25-minute boat ride is highly recommended for a unique perspective of the town. The boats are clean and well-maintained.
Tongli is compact and best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved.
Yes, there are accommodations within the water town, though they may be older. Many hotels with better facilities are located nearby, within walking distance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can sample local cuisine at canal-side restaurants. There are also familiar fast-food options like KFC and McDonald's available.
Some visitors have noted that cafes in Tongli can be quite pricey.
Yes, the town has many stalls and markets offering various local snacks and goods.
While not explicitly mentioned, most Chinese restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. It's best to inquire directly.
Yes, dining at canal-side restaurants offers a pleasant experience. However, be mindful of pricing, especially at cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient bridges, canals, traditional architecture, and local life by the river offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Yes, you'll often see ladies in ancient dresses and makeup, adding to the historical ambiance and providing great photo opportunities.
Early mornings and late evenings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the water town.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be respectful of residents and private property.
Drone usage is typically restricted in populated tourist areas and historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Tongli's Waterways
Visitors often describe the town as the 'Venice of the East' due to its watery landscape and charming bridges. The preservation of its original building structures contributes significantly to its authentic atmosphere. Unlike some more commercialized water towns, Tongli retains a sense of genuine community, making it a peaceful escape.
Experiencing Authentic Water Town Life
Travelers often highlight the peace and quiet found outside of peak hours, noting how the town transforms into a serene haven. This allows for a more immersive experience, where one can truly appreciate the slow pace and traditional customs. The presence of stalls, markets, and shops ensures a lively environment during the day, but the true magic for many lies in the quiet moments of observation.
Navigating Tongli: Tickets and Transport
Getting to Tongli is straightforward via Suzhou's Metro Line 4, which connects directly to Tongli Station. From the station, a free tram service operates regularly, taking visitors to the North Entrance of the ancient town in about 15 minutes. This tram service runs from 7 AM to 7:15 PM, making it a convenient option for those arriving early or leaving later in the day.

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