In March, Suzhou is imbued with all the gentleness of the Jiangnan region
After visiting all the ancient towns in Jiangnan, the one that I find most unforgettable is Tongli.
Tongli Ancient Town in March seems to have absorbed all the gentleness of Jiangnan, where every blooming spring flower, every willow branch, and every drop of drizzle seems to hide endless tenderness, making it hard for one to leave.
🌿Tongli Ancient Town
🌿Zhongchuan South Road, Wujiang District, Suzhou📍
🌿Ticket Price💰100 (Free before 8 am and after 5 pm)
🌲One of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan, formerly known as 'Futu', Tongli dates back to the Song Dynasty, with a history of a thousand years.
🌲Tongli is a typical Suzhou-style garden with virtually no dead ends; every corner is a scene in itself. Every plant, flower, and stone in the garden seems to tell a story.
🌲Many bridges in the garden are well-preserved, with Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge, and Changqing Bridge collectively known as 'Three Bridges'. Walking across the 'Three Bridges' is a local custom, symbolizing good fortune and wealth.
🌲Luoxingzhou is a small island within the lake of Tongli Ancient Town, accessible only by boat. It is said to be the prototype for the Yanziwu in Jin Yong's 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'.
🌲Commercial traces are inevitable in ancient Jiangnan towns, but fortunately, we came in March when there were not many people. It was a bit cold, but the scenery was beautiful. The willows were just budding, and the cherry blossoms were just blooming, especially atmospheric when it was drizzling.
🌲In the ancient town, we stumbled upon an inconspicuous little shop without even a signboard. The owner is a craftsman who makes stunning bamboo clothing and has delicately drawn the 'Prosperous Suzhou' map. A year has passed, and I wonder if it's completed. If you come across this shop, remember to take a look.
🌲Before entering the scenic area, there is a pedestrian street with food and drink available. You can try the 'Zhuangyuan Hoof', 'Tu Si Cake', 'Red Bean Cake', 'Bull Nose Crisp', 'Sock Bottom Crisp', and many more.
🌲There is a cozy cafe in the garden, not big, but very warm, and great for taking photos.
🌲You can row a boat in the garden, which costs 💰120 for a boat that can carry 6 people.
I didn’t expect the weather to be so hot in October. I was a little tired all the way. I still wait for the weather to be cooler in the future. It’s too hot. People are easy to sit down and rest. I don’t want to walk more.
The tickets included all the attractions, took the rocking boat, 120 yuan to circle for 25 minutes. Meet the boat worker sister with a good voice, with a shore view singing mountain songs, worth it. It is very convenient to take another light rail stop in Tongli on Metro Line 4.
The ancient town is very beautiful and it is very interesting to go shopping. Wear a Hanfu, take pictures very well! Suitable for people of different ages. There are also many snacks inside, all kinds of, the night view is worth seeing!
Take the No. 4 subway, there is an unmanned tram transfer to the Tongli Station, the ancient town of the scenic spot has not been developed in transition, and there are simple residents still living there, Jiangnan water town, and there are many ancient architectural parks with interiors. Go in and play another beautiful world, a good place for leisure and vacation 👍👍👍
Tongli Water Town in Suzhou is one of the top six ancient towns in the regions south of Yangtze River in China, which is world reputed as the “Oriental Venice” with its more than 1000-year-old history, authentic features of old buildings, rich old rivers, simple folk culture of locals.Type: Ancient Town, Water Place, Historic Site, Old BuildingsBest Seasons: All SeasonsRecommended Visiting Time: 1-2 daysOpening Hours: All Day; Attractions in the town: 8:00-17:15Permission: CNY 100, valid for 2 days; Night Ticket with Tuisi Garden: CNY 50Address: Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
most of the restaurants inside the old city serve pretty much the same dishes. For more variety, go into the regular part of town. Recommended
They can sneak up on you as they don't make any sound. Also, some merchants are aggressive and unscrupulous and will lure you into their stores with free samples; as soon as you enter the store, you are an insect in a Venus fly trap
Love that it's off season as crowds were minimal and on the rainy days, we feel like we had the town to ourselves. Be wary of the electric scooters, though.