Tongli Ancient Town→Retreat and Thought Garden→Lunch→Li Ze Girls' School→Zhenzhu Tower Scenic Area→Chongbontang→Three Bridges→Gengletang→Nanyuan Teahouse→Jiayin Hall→Sunset at the Gate of the Orient →Dinner→Jinji Lake
We recommend two ways to reach Tongli.
Tongli Ancient Town Overview: Located in Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, Tongli Ancient Town is a historic and picturesque water town. Established during the Song Dynasty, it boasts a history of over 1,000 years. Alongside Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen, Tongli is one of the six famous ancient towns in the Jiangnan region. Originally named "Futu," it was later renamed "Tongli." Today, it is recognized as a National 5A Scenic Area, the highest rating for tourist attractions in China. Tongli Ancient Town is embraced by five lakes and divided into seven beautiful islands by 15 rivers. These islands are connected by 49 bridges and 8 streets, creating a picturesque network of waterways and charming residential areas. The town is renowned for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty residences, ancient streets, and rich water town culture. Despite its small size, Tongli has produced many notable figures throughout history. Since the Song Dynasty, Tongli has been home to one top scholar (Zhuangyuan), 45 successful candidates in the imperial examinations (Jinshi), and 92 provincial graduates (Juren). During the Ming Dynasty alone, Tongli saw the emergence of distinguished individuals such as Liang Shi, the deputy editor of the "Yongle Encyclopedia"; Chen Wangdao, the Nanjing Censor; and Ji Cheng, a renowned garden artist. The Qing Dynasty continued this legacy with figures like Ren Lansheng, the Inspector of Anhui; Lu Hui, a master of the Wu School of painting; Jin Songcen, a scholar of Chinese classics; Wang Shao'ao, a social and political activist; Chen Qubing, a revolutionary and patriotic poet; Fei Gong, a revolutionary martyr; and Fan Yanqiao, a famous writer. Recommended Souvenirs: Ji Jianming's Intangible Cultural Heritage Paper Cuttings: Master Ji Jianming's paper cutting studio, "Jiananchun," is located within the Retreat & Reflection Garden (Tuisi Garden). You can customize a set of framed family zodiac portraits or purchase award-winning finished pieces. Each artwork is handcrafted and stamped by Master Ji Jianming, making them perfect gifts for friends, relatives, or as keepsakes. Silk Scarves: Silk scarves are a specialty of Suzhou. There are many silk scarf shops within the scenic area. Typically, small silk scarves are priced at 100 RMB for 3 pieces, while larger silk scarves start at 100 RMB each. There is a wide variety of patterns, sizes, and materials to choose from. Stamped Scenic Postcards: These postcards, stamped with scenic seals, are available for 30 RMB per set, which includes 3 stamps. They make for unique and memorable souvenirs. Ginger Candy, Throat Lozenges, and Fried Rice Candy: These traditional sweets come with bilingual (Chinese-English) packaging. A set of 8 packs costs 100 RMB. They are delightful treats to bring back home. Overall Tour Route: Zhongchuan Bridge → Ming ＆ Qing Dynasty Ancient Street → Tuisi Garden → Lize Female School → Pearl Tower Scenic Area → Songshi Wuyuan → Chongben Hall → Three Bridges → Gengle Hall → Nanyuan Teahouse → Jiayin Hall (Optional)
Tuisi Garden, literally "Retreat & Reflection Garden", is included in the 100 RMB ticket package for Tongli Ancient Town. It is open year-round from 08:00 to 20:30. 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours. This garden was built between 1885 and 1887 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty. It was constructed by Ren Lansheng, a Qing Dynasty official who was dismissed from his post and returned to his hometown. He spent 100,000 taels of silver on the garden, which is roughly equivalent to 12 million USD today when considering the value of rice as a standard of exchange. Ren, disillusioned with the political world, created this retreat to find solace in nature. Ironically, this personal sanctuary became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains the only World Heritage Site among all the ancient towns in Jiangnan. Tuisi Garden is also unique as the only garden in China built close to water. It is often said that the most beautiful part of Tongli is found here. In 1986, New York City built a Jiangnan-style garden on Staten Island, modeled after Tuisi Garden, named "Tuisi Villiage." Tuisi Garden covers an area of 5,674 square meters, with a building area of 2,622 square meters. The layout is horizontal, with the mansion, courtyard, and garden arranged from west (left) to east (right). The residence includes a gate hall, tea hall, main hall, and two small buildings where the family lived. The central courtyard serves as a natural transition between the residence and the garden and is primarily used for entertaining guests. The garden occupies more than half of the entire estate, centered around a lotus pond symbolizing noble character. The pond is surrounded by rockeries, buildings, and plants. A winding corridor, symbolizing Ren's turbulent life, encircles the pond on the south, north, and west sides, connecting almost all the buildings in the garden. This design reflects Ren's challenging yet honorable life. The garden features rockeries, pavilions, plants, and a pond with a waterside pavilion. The layout is spacious, with a small central pond and intricately designed winding banks. The buildings around the pond are close to the water, creating an intimate scale, earning it the title of "waterside garden." When Ren Lansheng built this garden, he was disheartened and sought to retire to a pastoral life. However, in the first year after the garden's completion, he was reinstated by the court due to the appeals of many people he had helped. He was sent to the front lines in Anhui to fight floods. Ren worked diligently, often riding his horse through wind and snow to inspect disaster areas and assist the people. Tragically, one day while inspecting a dike, his horse was startled, causing him to fall and sustain severe injuries. He later died from an infection caused by his wounds. Ren Lansheng's life was marked by hardship and perseverance, but he remained a noble and upright official throughout. His legacy lives on in the beauty and tranquility of Tuisi Garden. Route Map: Entrance → 1. Flower Hall → 2. Yinyu Hall → 3. Wanxiang Tower → 4. Zuochun Wangyue Tower (Spring-Sitting Moon Watching Tower) → 5. Lansheng Pavilion (Victory-Viewing Pavilion) → 6. Tuisi Cottage (Retreat and Reflection Cottage) → 7. Mianyun Pavilion (Cloud-Sleeping Pavilion) → 8. Guyu Shengliang Pavilion (Coolness from Reed Rain Pavilion) → 9. Tianqiao (Heavenly Bridge) → 10. Naohong Yige (Red Boat in the Midst of Commotion) → Exit
After exploring the Tuisiyuan Garden, let's indulge in the unique culinary delights that Tongli has to offer.
After exiting Tuisi Garden, head west and walk around the Grand Theater to reach the Sanyuan Bridge. On the eastern side of the bridge, you will find a small east-west alley called Nanhao Lane. Follow the stone-paved path eastward for about a hundred meters, and you will arrive at the west-facing main entrance of Lizhe Female School. 💰 Ticket Price: 20 RMB. ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day. 📷 Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes. In ancient China, women held a very low social status. The prevailing cultural belief was encapsulated in the saying "A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent." This ideology suggested that women did not need education and should instead focus on household duties, supporting their husbands, and raising children. As a result, women were traditionally barred from attending school. However, as China began its modernization process, societal attitudes gradually became more progressive. In 1898, Liang Qichao and Jing Yuanshan established China's first girls' school, Jingzheng Female School, in Shanghai. Following this, Cai Yuanpei founded the Aiguo Female School, also in Shanghai. During this period of change, the owner of the Retreat Garden, Ren Chuanxin, who had studied abroad, was deeply influenced by Western education and the progressive ideas of reformers like Liang Qichao and Cai Yuanpei. Despite being under twenty years old, Chuanxin strongly believed that the development of education was essential for China's prosperity and strength, and that women's education was particularly urgent. Consequently, in 1906, he founded Lize Female School within his own Retreat Garden, pioneering women's education in Suzhou. (Ren Chuanxin) Chuanxin Ren continued to expand the influence of Lize Female School by establishing specialized courses in arts to promote women's artistic education and by setting up normal classes to train female teachers. He invited renowned scholars and educators to teach at the school, including the famous Sinologist Qian Jibo as a literature instructor, the well-known writer Fan Yanqiao to teach Chinese, Chuanhe Ren, a graduate of Fudan University, to teach English, and Gu Naixing, a graduate of the Sino-French Preparatory School, to teach physics and chemistry. Chuanxin Ren also donated over 50,000 volumes from his father Lansheng Ren's private collection to establish the school library. He purchased a large number of new books, including a complete set of the "Encyclopaedia Britannica," for the students to read. Additionally, he acquired a variety of natural science instruments, specimens of plants and animals, pianos, and other educational tools to provide the best possible learning conditions and environment for the students. Under the dedicated efforts of Chuanxin Ren and his mother, Lize Female School gradually became one of the most prestigious schools in the Jiangnan region (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River). The school's students achieved notable success, such as winning awards for their embroidery at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. In 1921, the Shanghai World Book Company published "A Grand View of New Era Chinese Literature—National School Achievements," which included over 200 outstanding essays by middle school students from across the country, with fourteen essays from Lize Female School. The graduates of Lize Female School went on to become key educators in various schools in Suzhou. Some continued their studies in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Suzhou, becoming part of China's first generation of female professionals in science and technology. The original site of Lize Female School has now been converted into a hotel. Within the garden, there are three school buildings. On the north side, adjacent to the school gate, stand two newly constructed buildings in the style of the Republic of China, each with two floors. Particularly striking is the three-story building on the south side, which combines Chinese and Western architectural elements. This building was originally constructed by Chuanxin Ren and served as a schoolhouse. The interior has retained its century-old style and some of its original furnishings, and it is open for visitors to explore.
💰 Ticket Price: Included in the 100 RMB combo ticket for Tongli Ancient Town. ⏰ Opening Hours: • Summer: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM • Winter: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM 📷 Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes. The Pearl Tower Scenic Garden is the largest attraction in Tongli Ancient Town. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620), it was originally the residence of Chen Wangdao, an imperial inspector from Nanjing. Despite its name, there is no actual tower within the garden. The name "Pearl Tower" comes from the famous Wuxi opera "Pearl Tower," which is set in this location. The garden is often described as "silent poetry and three-dimensional painting" due to its picturesque and poetic ambiance. By 1986, only two main halls of the original residence remained. In 2001, the garden underwent restoration based on the widely known stories from the "Pearl Tower" opera and the remaining historical relics. The restoration aimed to respect and preserve the existing cultural and historical heritage while incorporating the essence of Suzhou gardens. The Pearl Tower Scenic Garden was officially opened to the public on April 19, 2003. For centuries, the story of "Pearl Tower" has been widely circulated in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions and is one of the representative plays of Wuxi opera. The story goes as follows: Fang Qing, the grandson of a prime minister, falls into poverty after his family's decline. He travels to Xiangyang to seek financial help from his aunt, but she mocks him and refuses to help. Angered and humiliated, Fang Qing vows never to enter the Chen family again unless he achieves official success. Fang Qing's cousin, Chen Cuie, learns of his plight and secretly gives him the family heirloom, the Pearl Tower, disguised as a gift of dry pastries, to support his studies. Chen Peide, Cuie's father, admires Fang Qing's determination and meets him at the Nine Pine Pavilion, where he promises Cuie's hand in marriage to Fang Qing. On his way back, Fang Qing is robbed of the Pearl Tower by a bandit named Qiu Liuqiao. Left freezing and starving in the snow, he is eventually rescued by the Bi family. When Qiu Liuqiao tries to pawn the Pearl Tower, the Chen family discovers it and realizes that Fang Qing is in trouble and missing. Fang Qing later passes the imperial examination and becomes an official. Disguised, he returns to the Chen household and sings a ballad to his aunt. Mistaking him for a poor wanderer, his aunt mocks him again. However, Chen Peide recognizes Fang Qing and reveals his true identity, leading to Fang Qing and Cuie's marriage. The aunt is left feeling ashamed for her previous behavior. "Pearl Tower" holds an important place in Chinese traditional opera and literary works, carrying profound social, cultural, and moral significance. Through the love story of Fang Qing and Chen Cuie, it showcases the virtues of unwavering loyalty, steadfast love, and the triumph over adversity. This tale is not only a beautiful romance but also a reflection of the social dynamics and moral values of the time. The Pearl Tower Scenic Garden is divided into two main sections: the Eastern section, which is the residence of Imperial Inspector Chen, and the Western section, which is the back garden.
💰 Ticket Price: Included in the 100 RMB ticket package for Tongli Ancient Town. 📷 Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes Chongben Hall is an ancient residence rich in history and cultural significance. With a history spanning several centuries, it was renovated over 120 years ago. The overall structure is compact yet exquisite. The building is divided into five sections: the entrance hall, main hall, front building, rear building, and kitchen, comprising a total of 25 rooms. Despite covering an area of less than 1,000 square meters, the architectural scale does not feel cramped. Instead, it showcases impressive details and artistry through its intricate layout and compact design. The architectural structure of Chongben Hall is quite scientific. Firewalls separate the entrance hall, main hall, and the main building, ensuring safety while enhancing aesthetics. On both sides of the entrance corridor, there are "crab-eye courtyards," which provide ventilation and natural light, as well as drainage and fire prevention, reflecting the advanced skills of ancient architects. One of the most captivating features of Chongben Hall is its exquisite wood carvings. The entire residence boasts over a hundred wood carvings, including motifs of flowers, the Eight Immortals, and scenes of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. These carvings, which are over 110 years old, are crafted with exceptional skill and are truly breathtaking. Above the entrance, the words "崇德思本" (Chong De Si Ben) are inscribed, meaning "Virtue is the foundation of one's life." This phrase is the origin of the name Chongben Hall. Within Chongben Hall, there is also an exhibition hall dedicated to the wedding customs of the Jiangnan region. If you are interested in the wedding traditions of this water town area, you can take the opportunity to explore this exhibit. The exhibition showcases the century-old wedding customs of the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions through texts, images, artifacts, and models. It displays the various steps of a traditional wedding, such as betrothal gifts, name inquiry, marriage divination, engagement, bridal makeup, and the wedding procession. Additionally, it features wedding-related items like dowry chests, large and small washbasins, descendant buckets, bottom-pressing chests, and dowry paintings. The wedding customs of the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions are important representatives of traditional Chinese wedding customs. These customs have evolved over thousands of years, forming a rich cultural heritage and unique regional characteristics. There are approximately eight major steps in these traditional wedding customs, briefly introduced as follows: Betrothal Proposal : The groom's family, through a marriage intermediary, proposes to the bride's family. In ancient China, a reputable matchmaker, familiar with both families, could ensure that the economic status and character of both parties were compatible, thus increasing the success rate of the marriage. The matchmaker also acted as a mediator in economic negotiations and could help maintain the dignity of both families if the proposal was rejected. Once the bride's family agreed, the groom's family would present betrothal gifts as a sign of sincerity. Betrothal gifts are a unique element of Chinese marriages, still practiced in many regions today. These gifts, which can be cash or goods, symbolize the groom's family's acknowledgment of the bride's family's efforts in raising their daughter and compensate for the "loss" of a family member, as the bride becomes part of the groom's family. Name Inquiry : The groom's family inquires about the bride's name and birth date to perform a compatibility check, which falls under Chinese metaphysics. The birth date, known as the "Eight Characters" , records the state of the five elements at the time of birth. Compatibility checks involve matching the Eight Characters of both parties to see if they harmonize, similar to Western astrology. Marriage Divination : Based on the Eight Characters, a divination is performed to determine if the couple is suitable for marriage. If irreconcilable conflicts arise, "incompatible Eight Characters" can be used as an excuse to call off the engagement. Engagement : Once the marriage is confirmed, both families choose an auspicious date to hold an engagement banquet, usually at the bride's home, inviting relatives and friends. During the banquet, the groom's family formally proposes the marriage, and the couple exchanges tokens, such as rings or jade pendants, symbolizing their commitment, similar to Western engagement ceremonies. Bridal Preparation : Before the wedding, the bride's family prepares items for the bride to take to the groom's home. The richness of the dowry reflects the bride's family's economic status and their regard for the bride. The dowry, considered the bride's private property, includes furniture, clothing, jewelry, cash, and artwork. Wedding Procession : The groom, dressed in formal attire, travels to the bride's home to escort her to the wedding. The bride, dressed in a red wedding gown and adorned with a red veil, awaits the groom's arrival. Unlike Western white wedding gowns symbolizing purity, Chinese red wedding gowns symbolize happiness and good fortune. Wedding Ceremony : The formal wedding ceremony includes several rituals: Crossing the Fire Basin : The couple steps over a small fire basin, symbolizing overcoming future challenges together. Hair Binding : The bride's hair is styled and secured with a hairpin, symbolizing unity and lifelong commitment. Tea Ceremony : The couple serves tea to their parents, expressing gratitude and commitment. Wedding Banquet : The wedding banquet is usually a grand affair. The bride and groom change into formal attire and host a feast in the main hall or courtyard, entertaining guests with a variety of delicious foods such as pork, chicken, fish, and wine. Wealthier families would host even more lavish banquets. Bridal Chamber : The couple spends their first night together. In some regions, there is a custom called "nao dongfang" , where friends and family play pranks and engage in playful activities to entertain the couple. These activities, which may include teasing the bride and groom or having them perform humorous tasks, originally aimed to ward off evil spirits but have evolved into a form of entertainment to foster intimacy and express blessings. However, in some areas, these pranks can go overboard, though such behavior is becoming less common with the progress of social norms. Post-Wedding Customs : Return Visit : The bride's first visit to her parental home after marriage, usually on the third day, known as "Three-Day Return." The groom brings gifts such as a pair of chickens, meat, eggs, and noodles to show respect and gratitude to the bride's parents. These gifts are usually in pairs, symbolizing the couple's unity and long-lasting happiness. The bride wears new clothes, typically red or pink, symbolizing joy and good fortune. The bride's family hosts a banquet, known as the "Return Banquet," to honor the new son-in-law and celebrate the couple's union. This banquet is an essential ritual, signifying the daughter's gratitude for her parents' upbringing, the son-in-law's appreciation for being accepted into the family, and the couple's harmonious and loving relationship. The groom sits in a place of honor, accompanied by the bride's elders.
📷 Recommended Visit Duration: 10 minutes The Three Bridges of Tongli are a significant attraction in the ancient town of Tongli, comprising Taiping Bridge , Jili Bridge , and Changqing Bridge . These three bridges hold special meaning for the locals, symbolizing peace, good fortune, and long-lasting happiness. Arranged in a distinctive "pin" (the three-part Chinese character describing the arrangement of the bridges) shape, the bridges span the convergence of three rivers, naturally forming a circular street that serves as the heart of Tongli's sightseeing area. The residents of Tongli, especially newlyweds, celebrate joyous occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and a baby's first month by walking across these bridges. As they do so, they recite blessings of "Taiping, Jili, Changqing ," wishing for peace, good fortune, and long-lasting happiness.
💰Ticket Price: Included in the 100 RMB Tongli Ancient Town Ticket. ⏰Opening Hours: Open Year Round April to October: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM November to March: 7:30 AM - 5:15 PM 📷 Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes Gengle Hall, built in 1449 during the 14th year of the Ming Dynasty's Zhengtong era, is the oldest surviving structure in Tongli Ancient Town. Constructed by Zhu Xiang, a scholar who had passed the preliminary imperial exams, it is a hidden gem among classical Chinese gardens. The term "scholar (诸生)" here refers to students who had passed the initial exams to earn the title of "shengyuan (生员)" (equivalent to a licentiate), the lowest rank of scholar. However, Zhu Xiang's knowledge far exceeded his official status. Historical records describe him as having a voice like a bell, being naturally intelligent, skilled in literature, filial, cautious, and fond of farming. He had no interest in pursuing officialdom's glory, hence he named himself "Gengle," which means "joy in farming." During the Zhengtong era of Ming dynasty, he was invited by the Ministry of Works to assist in the construction of Baodai Bridge under the supervision of Zhou Chen. Despite his significant contributions, he declined the official position offered by the court, choosing instead to retire to Tongli and build Gengle Hall, where he enjoyed the company of his elderly neighbors amidst the natural beauty. Gengle Hall covers an area of approximately 4,268 square meters and consists of three main sections with 41 rooms, following the traditional layout of a residence in the front and a garden in the back. Although most of the existing buildings were reconstructed during the Qing Dynasty, they retain the early Ming Dynasty's "reverence for simplicity" style, combining the elegance of Jiangnan gardens with the solemnity of classical residences.
💰 Average Cost per Person: 43 RMB 📖 No English Menu Available ⏰ Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Established in 1898 during the late Qing Dynasty, Nanyuan Teahouse boasts over a century of history and is one of the oldest surviving teahouses in China, often referred to as the "First Teahouse of Jiangnan." Here, you can enjoy tea, listen to traditional music, and take in the scenic views. It is not only a historic teahouse but also an excellent place to experience the culture and charm of the Jiangnan water towns. In 2008, Nanyuan Teahouse was designated as a cultural relic protection unit by Wujiang District, and in 2014, it was upgraded to a cultural relic protection unit by Suzhou City. At Nanyuan Teahouse, you can savor a bowl of Biluochun tea for 38 RMB, with unlimited refills and complimentary snacks. Every afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, there are performances of Pingtan, a traditional form of storytelling and ballad singing, known for its high artistic quality. Take a moment to relax here and enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of the Jiangnan water town. At this point, it is recommended to check your phone for the sunset time. If sunset is approaching, note that a taxi ride from Tongli Ancient Town to Jinji Lake takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around 60-70 RMB. Public transportation, including buses and the metro, costs about 10 RMB but takes nearly 2 hours. Therefore, it is strongly advised to take a taxi. If you have ample time before sunset and your energy permits, you can proceed to the next attraction.
💰 Ticket Price: Included in the 100 RMB Tongli Ancient Town Ticket 📷 Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour Jiayin Hall, built in 1922, was the residence of the wealthiest man in Tongli at the time. Covering an area of approximately 5,000 square meters, it is a typical Jiangnan-style Ming and Qing Dynasty residential building, featuring traditional wooden structures and grey-tiled roofs that exude an ancient and elegant charm. The hall houses numerous precious cultural relics and artworks, along with a wealth of intricate wood and brick carvings, making it the most exquisitely decorated residence in Tongli and showcasing the unique allure of Jiangnan culture.
As you step out of Jiayin Hall, your journey in Tongli comes to an end. We recommend two transportation options for you.
This is a highly recommended "must-see" spot for witnessing the most beautiful sunset in Suzhou. Jinji Lake, located in the Suzhou Industrial Park in Jiangsu Province, is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and the only "National Business Tourism Demonstration Zone" in the country. It showcases the modern business tourism landscape of Suzhou. From the ancient town of Tongli, which dates back a thousand years, to the modern tourist area of today, what connects them is the timeless, gentle waters and the cultural heritage of the Suzhou people. Recommended Spots for Sunset Viewing: Jinji Lake Picture Frame (Metro: Culture and Expo Center Station) - Best spot in winter. Spring by the Lake Square (Metro: Times Square Station) Jinji Post 06, 09 (Solo Lake View Restaurant) (Metro: Times Square Station) Jinshui Bay Pier (Best spot in summer, with a view of the Ferris wheel) Suzhou Ferris Wheel - Watching the sunset from the Ferris wheel is also stunning. It is the largest water-based Ferris wheel in the world, located on the east bank of Jinji Lake. 💰 Ticket price: Adult tickets are priced at 80 RMB. Children and seniors can enjoy half-price tickets. ⏰ Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with ticket sales ending at 4:30 PM. During the summer, there are special evening sessions. Of course, taking a leisurely stroll along the shores of Jinji Lake at sunset, or heading to Moonlight Dock to catch a free water bus to Wanghu Pavilion Dock and enjoy the sunset from the lake, is an excellent choice. Moonlight Dock Address: Shuige Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province Moonlight Dock Departure Times: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM Wanghu Pavilion Dock Departure Times: 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM Each trip has a capacity limit of 40 passengers, so it is recommended to queue in advance. If you are unable to board, you can also take a taxi to your destination. After watching the sunset, if you are still in the mood for more exploration, you can choose to visit a few of the following attractions. However, please note that most restaurants in Suzhou typically close around 9:00 PM, so make sure not to miss dinner time.
When we arrive at the west bank of Jinji Lake, a sumptuous dinner will be waiting for us. After visiting the Gate of the Orient, you can walk to enjoy your dinner. The distance is approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometers, and it will take about 15-20 minutes on foot.
📷 Recommended visit duration:1 - 2 hours After dinner, if it is not yet 7:30 PM, you can head to the City Square to watch the fountain show. If you have already seen it during dinner, you can instead enjoy the light show at the Gate of the Orient, which runs from dusk until 10:00 PM. During this time, you might also choose to visit Moonlight Dock for a night cruise on Jinji Lake. On the boat, you can admire the iconic buildings of Suzhou Industrial Park, with the lights reflecting off the lake, creating a serene and harmonious scene. Cruise Schedule: 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 💰 Ticket price: Regular Boat: 55 RMB per person, approximately 40 minutes per trip, with more passengers. Extraordinary Luxury Cruise: 95 RMB per person, two levels, with fewer passengers. Children under 0.8 meters ride for free. Of course, you can also explore any of the attractions around Jinji Lake, but please be mindful of the time and avoid staying out too late.
Your day in Suzhou comes to an end here. In this water town, whether you explored the classical ancient towns or the modern Jinji Lake, did you feel the timeless gentleness and elegance that have been passed down through the ages, hidden in the ever-constant ripples? Of course, Suzhou is not just about gentleness and elegance. There is so much more to discover. You can spend an entire day leisurely wandering around, soaking in the smiles of passersby, the charm of street-side shops, and the distant melodies, savoring every detail of this city. We hope you have a wonderful time in Suzhou. If you enjoyed today's itinerary, please consider leaving us a positive review (link). Should you encounter any issues while using our self-guided tour, feel free to contact us via email at any time. We also welcome any valuable feedback or suggestions you may have after using our service. We believe that our positive interaction can help us provide you with increasingly better services. Enjoy your stay in Suzhou!
1. Please have breakfast near the hotel.
2. Small restaurants by the riverside in Tongli Ancient Town are negotiable!
3. Don't buy things without a price tag, the same goes for restaurants.
4. We will be walking a lot today, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
5. If purchasing items in Tongli Ancient Town, it's good to compare prices as most are negotiable.
6. The Tongli Ancient Town scenic area service center can store items with tickets.
7. The so-called 10 yuan tricycles to enter Tongli take you to the entrance of the ancient town, not into it. To enter the ancient town for free, you can only do so before 8:00 AM or after 7:30 PM.
8. Tongli is very small; taking a tricycle anywhere will not exceed 10 yuan.
9. Please remember to bring a power bank; otherwise, it will be very regrettable when your phone runs out of battery at night.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 11 reviews from app travelers
Tongli during Golden Week is busy — the stone bridges and alleys were packed — but the water town wins anyway. Tuisi Garden is a hidden jewel, the Three Bridges are postcard-perfect, and the boat ride under the arches was the kids' favourite. We finished watching the sunset at the Gate of the Orient in Jinji Lake, modern Suzhou glowing across the water.
On est venues le dernier jour de la Semaine dorée — attendez-vous à de la foule sur les ponts de Tongli, mais la ville est si charmante qu'on lui pardonne tout. Le jardin Tuisi et la vieille rue Ming et Qing nous ont conquises ; les enfants ont adoré les petites barques. Puis le lac Jinji et le coucher de soleil à la porte de l'Orient — un skyline aussi beau que n'importe lequel. Une magnifique dernière journée à Suzhou.
Morning light raking across Three Bridges, ripples spreading from the boatwoman’s oar — I must have shot a hundred frames. Then the transfer to Jinji Lake for sunset was timed perfectly; I photographed two versions of Suzhou in one day.
同里は「生きている古鎮」——宋代の橋を今も毎日人が渡っている。退思園の水閣は水面に浮かぶ絵のよう。夕方の金鶏湖のサンセットが、古鎮の千年の柔らかさと現代蘇州を結んでくれた。
Tongli is still a “living old town” — Song-dynasty bridges walked on every day. The sunset at Jinji Lake is modern and brilliant.
Tongli was a wonderful change of rhythm—smaller scale, slower walking, and an atmosphere that feels naturally historic. The highlights are well chosen: Tuisi Garden, Pearl Tower Scenic Area, and Jiayin Hall each show a different layer of Jiangnan life and taste. I’m not usually sentimental, but the combination of canals, stone bridges, and late-afternoon light was undeniably affecting. The itinerary’s second half—heading toward Jinji Lake—adds a modern contrast, and the sunset view of the “Gate of the Orient” is genuinely striking. Dinner was excellent: freshwater-focused dishes like silverfish scrambled eggs and steamed whitefish, plus richer local comfort food such as braised pork and Tongli-style pork knuckle. It’s a well-paced day that respects both scenery and substance, with plenty of time to actually absorb the setting rather than simply pass through it.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour