Tongli

同里

An exquisitely beautiful water town with fifteen lakes winding through it, Tongli is dotted with centuries-old buildings, gardens, and temples that showcase the elegance of Jiangnan architecture. The peaceful waterways and lack of commercial overdevelopment make it one of the most authentic ancient towns in the region.

Things to do

• Tongli Ancient Town Walking Tour — Wander through centuries-old stone-paved streets lined with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, passing traditional residences with whitewashed walls and grey-tiled roofs.
• Tuisi Garden — Explore this exquisite Qing dynasty private garden featuring classical pavilions, rockeries, and water features that exemplify refined Jiangnan garden design.
• Boat Tour on Tongli's Waterways — Navigate the peaceful canals and fifteen interconnected lakes by traditional wooden boat to see water-town life from a local perspective.
• Jiayin Hall — Visit this well-preserved Ming dynasty mansion with intricate wood carvings and traditional courtyards that reveal how wealthy merchants lived.
• Tongli Pearl Pagoda — Climb the Ming dynasty brick pagoda for panoramic views across the ancient town's waterways and surrounding landscape.
• Shengyin Temple — Pay respects at this centuries-old Buddhist temple featuring traditional architecture and serene courtyards that offer quiet reflection.

Food to try

• Tongli Soy Sauce Chicken — Tender poached chicken glazed with aged local soy sauce and served with fragrant rice, representing the town's traditional braising techniques.
• Freshwater Fish from Tongli Lakes — Daily-caught lake fish prepared steamed, braised in soy, or made into delicate fish balls, showcasing the purity of local waterway ingredients.
• Tongli Glutinous Rice Balls — Sticky rice balls filled with sweet sesame or peanut paste, a classic regional dessert often served warm in sweet soup.
• Jiangnan Water Snails — Seasonal freshwater snails prepared stir-fried with ginger and herbs, a local delicacy requiring patience to extract the tender meat.
• Osmanthus Cakes — Layered pastries infused with fragrant osmanthus flowers and red bean paste, a specialty sweet reflecting the town's ornamental gardens.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit Early Morning or Late Afternoon — Plan your exploration during quieter hours to experience authentic daily life; most tourists arrive midday, making dawn and dusk ideal for photography and contemplation.
• Respect Private Residences — Many beautiful buildings are still private homes rather than museums—admire them from waterways and public spaces rather than entering uninvited courtyards.
• Bridge Etiquette — The town's many arched bridges are narrow and historically significant; move aside for locals and boats, and avoid leaning on ancient railings.
• Learn About the Town's Heritage Role — Tongli served as a merchant hub during the Ming-Qing dynasties; understanding this history enriches visits to merchant houses and helps appreciate the town's layout around water commerce routes.