Don't blindly rush to Tongli Ancient Town! I just got badly scammed and came back

Everyone, this trip to Tongli Ancient Town was a total disaster. Now I’m sharing my painful lessons along with a super detailed travel guide to help you avoid pitfalls and have a great time!

💔First, the traps I fell into:
🎫Ticket issues: I bought tickets at the scenic spot, which was 20 yuan more expensive than buying online a day in advance! Someone even tried to lure me with a low-price entry, almost tricking me. Later I found out that even if you get in, you still have to buy tickets again for the main attractions.
🚢Rowboat ride: I was overcharged. The normal price is 120 yuan per boat (up to 6 people), but I ended up paying 180! Make sure to ask the price in advance, and if possible, share a boat with others—it’s much cheaper.
🍜Food: Some snacks are overpriced and not tasty, especially a popular pastry shop that was both expensive and bad. Don’t be fooled by internet hype.

📸Must-visit spots:

1. Tuisi Garden: A World Cultural Heritage site and a representative of “water-adjacent gardens.” Enter before 8 AM when it’s less crowded and more beautiful. You can take amazing photos standing on the Nine-bend Corridor capturing the reflection of the waterside pavilion—absolutely stunning!

2. The Three Bridges: Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge, and Changqing Bridge. Go around 7 AM and stand on Jili Bridge to photograph rowboats passing through the bridge arches. The misty Jiangnan atmosphere is at its peak!

3. Chuanxin Alley: The narrowest part is only 80cm wide. At 3 PM when the sunlight slants, the stone pavement creates beautiful light and shadow patterns, making photos look like they have built-in filters. But avoid it when crowded as it can get blocked easily.

4. Pearl Pagoda Scenic Area: The origin of the Xiju opera “Pearl Pagoda” story. A must-visit for couples, and the garden scenery is full of Jiangnan charm.

🍱Food recommendations:

1. Zhuangyuan Pig’s Trotter: Soft and flavorful. The “Jiutanzi Fantong” restaurant is quite good, and 60 yuan per person is enough to get full.

2. Euryale Seed Cake: Sweet and soft, available at many shops on the ancient town streets. You can buy it anywhere without worrying about quality.

3. Sock Bottom Crisp: Savory, crispy, freshly baked at Lin’s shop. The pepper salt flavor is excellent. 10 yuan per bag makes a great souvenir.

🚗Transportation guide:

1. High-speed rail/bus: Take the high-speed train to Suzhou Station, then take a shuttle bus from the north square of the train station, or take Metro Line 4 to the terminal station “Tongli Station.”

2. Town transport: Electric carts run from the East Town parking lot to the ancient town area and Luoxingzhou Wharf, 5 yuan per person; hand-rowed boats operate in the Three Bridges scenic area—remember to bargain!

🏠Accommodation suggestions:

1. Riverside Inn: Zhengfu Caotang, 400+ yuan per night, with river views right outside the window and beautiful night scenery. The downside is weekend prices may double, so book in advance.

2. Outside the scenic area: Tongli Lake Resort, 300+ yuan with lake view rooms and shuttle service, offering great value.

In short, preparing your trip in advance is really important. I hope everyone visiting Tongli Ancient Town can avoid these traps and have a wonderful time!