Originally named Fushi, Tongli is an age-old but very well preserved water township with a history of more than 1,000 years. Located on the eastern shore of Taihu Lake, just 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Suzhou City, Tongli town is 63 square kilometers (24 square miles) in area and has a population of over 33 thousand. True to its reputation, Tongli is a really wonderful travel destination where you can spend a marvelous holiday or experience traditional Chinese culture. Follow our guide and you will have a general idea of this captivating water-town.
Cultural History
Tongli is a town with a profound cultural background and achievement. From ancient times, it has been teeming with poets, painters, Confucian scholars and government officials. Their abilities have made great contributions to progress in many areas of the country. Dozens of stone tablets from different periods are preserved in Tongli and many of the streets are named after their official titles. Walking through the alleys of this venerable water town, one cannot fail to appreciate its pristine and intoxicating atmosphere.
In 1981 Tongli Town was declared one of the thirteen national standard tour towns of the Taihu Lake region. In addition, in 1982 it was listed for protection as the standard provincial town of cultural interest in Jiangsu Province. Tongli is now a highly praised historical site and tourist resort and enjoys increasing popularity with travel enthusiasts.
Tuishi Garden
Tongli's major attractions are a garden, two halls, and ternate bridges. Tuishi Garden, Chen Qubin's former house in Shanyuan Street, was listed in the Focus Cultural Relic Unit under State Protection. It is a four-A national scenic spot that includes Haoge Hall, Baichi Tower, and Blue Emerald and Green Jade Hall, among other structures.
Bridges
The ternate bridges, Taipeng Bridge, Jili Bridge, and Changqing Bridge, are a treasure of bridges built during the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty. The natives of Tongli still follow the convention of "walking across ternate bridges." This convention has been handed down over 1,000 years and means, "going over these three bridge floors sequentially on foot." The people of Tongli regard ternate bridges as a symbol of good luck and happiness, and believe they dispel calamity and difficulties. It is said that if you go over Taipeng Bridge, you will be healthy throughout the year; if you go over Jili Bridge, your business will boom; and if you go over Changqing Bridge, you will be young forever and have a long life.
Gengle Hall
Gengle Hall was built during the Ming Dynasty and has survived the rise and fall of several dynasties. One crosses three gates to reach the deepest courtyard with its beautiful and pleasant scenery, 41 rooms, and unique buildings such as Lotus Pond, Mandarin Duck Hall, Huanxiu Hall, and Sweet-Scented Osmanthus Hall. Gengle Hall has been classified as one of the eight most famous attractions of Tongli.
Chongben Hall
Chongben Hall, to the north of the three bridges, connects with them and faces Jiayin Hall. Its key attraction is the various carvings, such as found at the rear of Chongben Hall, which embodies 58 quintessential wood carvings, all reflecting widespread folk stories from the Yangzi River Delta. Luoxing Island, a chinampa in Tongli Lake, is approximately 40 square kilometers in area and is famous for its scenery filled with misty rain.
In 1981 Tongli Town was declared one of the thirteen national standard tour towns of the Taihu Lake region. In addition, in 1982 it was listed for protection as the standard provincial town of cultural interest in Jiangsu Province. Tongli is now a highly praised historical site and tourist resort and enjoys increasing popularity with travel enthusiasts.