The tower
1 / 10

Retreat & Reflection Garden Tongli

4.6
·129 reviews·Su Zhou Shi, China

A serene water town near Suzhou, known for its ancient bridges, preserved architecture, and authentic local life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings (before 9 AM)

Peaceful, authentic local life

CrowdLow
Loading map...
The tower

Retreat & Reflection Garden Tongli

Best Time

Early mornings (before 9 AM)

Peaceful, authentic local life

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene water town near Suzhou, known for its ancient bridges, preserved architecture, and authentic local life.

4.6
(129 reviews)

"It is very quiet and peaceful after 8pm and before 9am. Nice to watch the locals’ way of life by the river. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Bridges

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

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

Retained Original Structures

Various historical buildings

Explore well-preserved ancient structures and gardens that showcase the town's historical architecture.

Leisurely Boat Ride

Leisurely Boat Ride

Canals

Enjoy a relaxing 25-minute boat tour for a unique perspective of the town's charm and beauty.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Authenticity

Visit Tongli early morning or after 8 PM for a peaceful experience. The town truly comes alive with locals before 9 AM and after 6 PM, offering a glimpse into authentic water town life away from the daytime tourist bustle. Reddit

Ticket Strategy for Value

The RMB 100 ticket grants access to multiple attractions within the town. Consider visiting after 5:15 PM if you're not planning to enter specific sites, as entry checks may be less stringent. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings (before 9 AM)
Why
Peaceful, authentic local life
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings (after 8 PM)
Why
Quiet, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
April
Why
Perfect relaxing weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Tongli and/or Zhouzhuang?

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Tongli is compact and perfect for leisurely walking. Wear comfortable shoes! Reddit

🚤 Don't Miss the Boat Ride

A 25-min boat ride offers a unique perspective and is highly recommended. Reddit

reddit.com

Tongli Town Day Tour

reddit.com

Suzhou and/or Tongli from Shanghai

⏰ Visit Off-Peak Hours

For tranquility, go before 9 AM or after 8 PM. Reddit

💰 Ticket Value

The RMB 100 ticket covers multiple attractions. Consider timing your visit if not entering sites. Reddit

reddit.com

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! Reddit

🚤 Don't Miss the Boat Ride

A 25-min boat ride offers a unique perspective and is highly recommended. Reddit

⏰ Visit Off-Peak Hours

For tranquility, go before 9 AM or after 8 PM. Reddit

💰 Ticket Value

The RMB 100 ticket covers multiple attractions. Consider timing your visit if not entering sites. Reddit

☕ Quaint Coffee Shops

Discover charming coffee shops scattered around the town for a relaxing break. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(129 reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Authentic water town feel
Peaceful atmosphere
Beautiful ancient bridges

What People Dislike

Entrance ticket price
Pricey cafes

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The free tram to Tongli Ancient Town operates daily from 7 AM to 7:15 PM. Reddit

While driving is possible, parking can be challenging. Public transport via the metro is often more convenient and recommended. Reddit

No, it's recommended to take the free tram from Tongli MRT station to reach the ancient town entrance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The standard ticket price is RMB 100 per person, which includes access to several attractions within the town. Reddit

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. Reddit

The RMB 100 ticket typically grants access to various historical buildings, gardens, and museums within the Tongli Ancient Town. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, a 25-minute boat ride is highly recommended for a unique perspective of the town. The boats are clean and well-maintained. Reddit

Tongli is compact and best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved. Reddit

Yes, there are accommodations within the water town, though they may be older. Many hotels with better facilities are located nearby, within walking distance. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You can sample local cuisine at canal-side restaurants. There are also familiar fast-food options like KFC and McDonald's available. Reddit

Some visitors have noted that cafes in Tongli can be quite pricey. Reddit

Yes, the town has many stalls and markets offering various local snacks and goods. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, most Chinese restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. It's best to inquire directly. Reddit

Yes, dining at canal-side restaurants offers a pleasant experience. However, be mindful of pricing, especially at cafes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ancient bridges, canals, traditional architecture, and local life by the river offer numerous picturesque opportunities. Reddit

Yes, you'll often see ladies in ancient dresses and makeup, adding to the historical ambiance and providing great photo opportunities. Reddit

Early mornings and late evenings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the water town. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed. However, be respectful of residents and private property. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in populated tourist areas and historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tongli offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The compact nature of the town makes it manageable for little legs, and the boat rides are always a hit with children. Reddit Encourage them to observe the local life and imagine what it was like in the past. While there are familiar fast-food chains like McDonald's, exploring local snacks can also be an adventure. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for everyone, as there will be plenty of walking. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

While the RMB 100 entrance ticket might seem steep, it covers multiple attractions, offering good value if you plan to explore them. Reddit To save on entry fees, consider visiting after 5:15 PM if your primary goal is to soak in the atmosphere rather than visit specific historical buildings. Reddit For dining, explore local eateries away from the main tourist paths, or consider packing some snacks. The free tram from the metro station is a great way to save on local transport costs. Reddit

couples

Tongli provides a wonderfully romantic setting, especially during the quieter hours. Stroll hand-in-hand across the ancient bridges, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the canals, and find a cozy canal-side cafe for a relaxing afternoon. Reddit The town's serene atmosphere in the early morning or late evening is perfect for intimate conversations and creating lasting memories. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Tongli's Waterways

Tongli is renowned for its intricate network of canals and the numerous stone bridges that gracefully span them. These bridges are not just functional but are often exquisite examples of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, adding to the town's picturesque appeal. The constant flow of water shapes the rhythm of life here, with boats serving as a primary mode of transport for centuries. A leisurely boat ride is highly recommended, offering a unique perspective of the ancient architecture and the daily lives of the residents. Reddit

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. Reddit

Experiencing Authentic Water Town Life

What sets Tongli apart is its vibrant, living community. Unlike many tourist-centric attractions, Tongli is home to many residents whose daily lives unfold along the riverbanks. Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening provides a special opportunity to witness this authentic way of life, free from the daytime crowds. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating Tongli: Tickets and Transport

The entrance ticket to Tongli Ancient Town is priced at RMB 100 and grants access to several key attractions within the town. While this ticket is valid during daytime hours (typically 8 AM to 5:15 PM), some visitors have noted that entry checks might be less strict in the early morning or late evening, offering a way to experience the town's ambiance without the full ticket price if one is not planning to visit specific sites. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2